Menopause is a natural phase of life that all women go through, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. But how do you know if you’re entering this stage? Some symptoms are obvious, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and night sweats, while others may be more subtle. To confirm whether you’re experiencing perimenopause or menopause, specific hormone tests can be conducted.
In this article, we’ll explore how menopause is tested, the hormones involved, the different lab tests used to confirm it, and the best time to start testing. Whether you’re in your 40s and experiencing early symptoms, or you’re nearing postmenopause, understanding these tests will help you take control of your health during this transition.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the time when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. It marks the end of reproductive years and is accompanied by a range of symptoms due to changes in hormone levels, especially the decrease in estrogen and progesterone.
- Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, often starting in a woman’s 40s.
- Postmenopause is the stage that begins after 12 consecutive months without a period.
While some women experience symptoms early, others may transition more smoothly. Testing can help provide clarity about where you are in the process and whether menopause is the cause of your symptoms.
How Do You Test for Menopause?
The primary test for menopause involves measuring the levels of hormones in your blood. These hormone levels fluctuate during menopause, and specific patterns can indicate whether you are in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause.
1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Test
FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the ovaries to release eggs. During perimenopause and menopause, FSH levels increase as the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen.
What it measures:
- Elevated FSH levels often indicate that menopause is near, as your ovaries are no longer responding to it.
When to take the test:
- If you have irregular periods, hot flashes, or other menopause-related symptoms, an FSH test can help determine whether you’re entering perimenopause.
- FSH levels typically increase during perimenopause, but a single test may not always be sufficient, as levels can fluctuate throughout the month.
What FSH levels indicate:
- Normal levels: 4.7 – 21.5 mIU/mL (pre-menopausal)
- Perimenopausal levels: 25-40 mIU/mL
- Postmenopausal levels: Over 40 mIU/mL (higher levels may indicate menopause)
2. Estradiol (Estrogen) Test
Estradiol is the primary form of estrogen in the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining reproductive health. During menopause, estradiol levels fall significantly, which can cause many of the typical symptoms of menopause.
What it measures:
- Low estradiol levels can indicate that your ovaries are producing less estrogen, signalling the onset of perimenopause or menopause.
When to take the test:
- If you are experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, or irregular periods, measuring estradiol levels can help confirm whether your symptoms are related to menopause.
What estradiol levels indicate:
- Normal levels: 15-350 pg/mL (before menopause)
- Perimenopausal levels: 15-30 pg/mL
- Postmenopausal levels: 5-30 pg/mL
3. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test
LH is another hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in ovulation. Like FSH, LH levels increase during perimenopause and menopause as the ovaries stop responding to hormonal signals.
What it measures:
- Elevated LH levels, especially in conjunction with high FSH, can suggest that you are transitioning into menopause.
When to take the test:
- LH is often tested alongside FSH to monitor hormone levels during perimenopause. If your FSH is high, and LH levels are also elevated, it’s a strong indicator that menopause is approaching.
What LH levels indicate:
- Normal levels: 1.9-12.5 IU/L (before menopause)
- Perimenopausal levels: 14-52 IU/L
- Postmenopausal levels: Over 50 IU/L
4. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test
AMH is a hormone that reflects the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. While it doesn’t directly diagnose menopause, it can be a good indicator of ovarian reserve and how close a woman is to entering menopause.
What it measures:
- Low AMH levels suggest that the ovaries produce fewer eggs and menopause may be nearing.
When to take the test:
- If you are in your 30s or early 40s and are wondering about your fertility, an AMH test can offer insight into whether you may be approaching perimenopause.
When to Start Testing for Menopause?
The right time to start testing for menopause depends on your symptoms and age. Many women begin experiencing symptoms in their 40s, but menopause can start as early as the mid-30s for some.
When to Consider Testing:
- Age 40 and above: If you’re experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, or mood swings, it’s a good time to consider testing for menopause.
- You notice severe symptoms: If your symptoms are severe and affecting your daily life, you should consult your doctor and discuss hormone testing to understand what’s happening.
- If you’ve been symptom-free: If you are in your 50s and haven’t had a period for a year but are still unsure if menopause is the cause, hormone testing can confirm whether you’re officially in postmenopause.
Testing can help you understand where you are in the menopause process and guide the right treatments to help manage your symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Testing for menopause is a valuable tool in understanding your symptoms and managing your health as you transition through this phase. Whether you’re experiencing early signs of perimenopause or wondering if you’re entering postmenopause, hormone testing can give you the answers you need to take control of your health.
Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about the appropriate tests for your symptoms. Early testing and intervention can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life during menopause.
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Sources:
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
