Final answer:
For a 55-year-old female with symptoms of night sweats, hot flashes, and difficulty sleeping, a Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test and a Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test would likely be ordered to check for menopause and thyroid issues respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Possible Examination for Menopause Symptoms
If a 55-year-old female patient's chief complaint is night sweats, hot flashes, and difficulty sleeping, the provider would most likely order tests to check hormone levels, particularly estrogen. These symptoms are common indicators of menopause, which is a natural biological process signaling the end of a woman's reproductive years. The specific test that is typically ordered is called the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test, as increased levels of FSH can help confirm if a woman is undergoing menopause. Additionally, the provider might also consider a Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test because thyroid problems can cause similar symptoms.