Women’s bodies go through numerous changes though life. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. How can you tell if you’re nearing or past menopause? Are there hormone tests for menopause?
The first signs of perimenopause typically appear in women’s 40s, but they can start earlier or later. During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate, and the menstrual cycle can become irregular. This can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and vaginal dryness.
While hormone tests can be helpful in some circumstances, they are generally not useful during perimenopause. Generally, FSH and LH levels are highest in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (days 1-5), while estrogen levels are lowest at this time. However, during perimenopause, hormone levels can fluctuate often, making it difficult to determine the best time for testing.
While an elevated FSH levels can confirm menopause, but a low or normal FSH level can be misleading in the perimenopause period. A low FSH level in a woman experiencing hot flashes and changing periods may not eliminate the likelihood that she is still in perimenopause.
All women produce DHEAS, DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone; and levels of secretion slowly naturally decrease with age after the 30’s.
Doctors make the diagnosis of perimenopause and menopause by reviewing a woman’s medical history, menstrual history, and symptoms. The most common symptoms women notice during perimenopause are changes in their periods and the onset of hot flashes.
Menopause is defined as 12 months without a menstrual bleed in the absence of other conditions.