“Perimenopause and menopause should be diagnosed
without laboratory tests in otherwise healthy women aged
over 45 years, on the basis of vasomotor symptoms…”.¹

Umbrella

What may the Menopause Diagnosis Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Predict

What is the best way to predict menopause?

In What Is Menopause? Diagnosing Perimenopause and Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“The best way to predict menopause is to keep track of your symptoms. If your periods are irregular and your symptoms are getting worse, it’s likely you are approaching menopause”.²

Blood Tests

Is it standard practice to measure hormone levels to diagnose perimenopause or menopause?

In What Is Menopause? Diagnosing Perimenopause and Menopause: Blood Tests the JH explain:

Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test Reliability

How reliable is a single FSH test to diagnosed perimenopause or menopause?

In What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) note:

“Measurement of FSH to diagnose perimenopause or menopause is not usually indicated. A single hormone test, such as a measurement of elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is not a reliable indicator of the perimenopause, as women’s hormone levels may fluctuate from day to day”.⁴

Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test Validity

What can compromise the validity of FSH tests?

In Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis At Perimenopause and Menopause the AMS also note:

“It is especially unhelpful to do hormone blood tests while women are on MHT/OCP – symptoms, not blood levels, guide therapy”.⁵

What is MHT?

MHT can be an abbreviation for Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT), otherwise known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Hormone Therapy (HT).

What is OCP?

OCP can be an abbreviation for Oral Contraceptive Pill, otherwise known as “The Pill” or birth control pills.

Over-the-Counter FSH Test

What may over-the-counter FSH tests check?

In Menopause:  Menopause Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

Diagnosis

How are perimenopause and menopause diagnosed?

In What Is Menopause? Diagnosing Perimenopause and Menopause the JH explain:

“Ask your doctor to check if you are perimenopausal or have reached menopause. If you are at the expected age, have experienced some symptoms and have irregular periods, it’s likely you are perimenopausal. If you haven’t had a period for 12 months, you have probably reached menopause”.⁷

On page one in Diagnostic Tests for Menopause the European Menopause and Andropause Society note:

“Perimenopause and menopause should be diagnosed without laboratory tests in otherwise healthy women aged over 45 years, on the basis of vasomotor symptoms, irregular periods and amenorrhea”.⁸

In Diagnosing Menopause: Key Points the AMS explain:

• “Perimenopause is usually diagnosed clinically on the basis of new onset vasomotor or other symptoms and a change in the pattern of menstrual bleeding. Menopause is diagnosed 12 months after the final menstrual period”.⁹

What are vasomotor symptoms?

DotS the definition of vasomotor symptoms may vary. The Menopause Society’s (formerly The North American Menopause Society) definition is:

“Vasomotor symptoms. Also known as hot flashes and night sweats, common symptoms during perimenopause and early postmenopause”.¹⁰

In Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis At Perimenopause and Menopause the AMS elaborate on:

“Many women come to the consultation expecting a blood test to diagnose menopause, and it is important to explain to them why we use the symptom score rather than a blood test in establishing a diagnosis. It is important to explain to women that the blood tests of FSH/oestradiol can fluctuate on a daily basis and therefore are not useful or necessary”.¹¹

Symptom Score

What is the Symptom Score used by the AMS?

In Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Score Sheet the AMS include a Symptom Score (Modified Greene Scale) and explain:

Early Menopause and POI

When may FSH assessment be indicated?

On page four in the European Menopause and Andropause Society Consensus Statement Menopause, Wellbeing and Health: A Care Pathway From the European Menopause and Andropause Society: 3. Investigations and Assessment of Ovarian Reserve 3.1 Endocrine Investigations 3.1.1 Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, published 12 May 2022, Lambrinoudaki et al. note:

“Measurement of serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is not required for formal confirmation of menopausal stage for women over the age of 45. FSH assessment is indicated in women aged 40–45 years who report a change in their menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms. Women aged <40 years in whom menopause is suspected should be assessed to explore possible POI”.¹³

What is POI?

POI in this context, is an abbreviation for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

In What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? the AMS note:

“Measurement of FSH to diagnose perimenopause or menopause is not usually indicated. A single hormone test, such as a measurement of elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is not a reliable indicator of the perimenopause, as women’s hormone levels may fluctuate from day to day. However, investigations may be required in certain cases including: (i) if the woman has had a hysterectomy; (ii) concern that symptoms may be due to illness (e.g., thyroid disorder rather than 8natural ageing); or (iii) if woman is under 45 years of age”.¹⁴

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to find out if I am perimenopausal or not?

If you would like to find out if you are perimenopausal or not, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can clarify your symptoms, discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor the JH also note:

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Diagnosis?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Diagnosis?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

• Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Delaying Menopause Through Ovarian Tissue Freezing [February 2025]
  
• Home Menopause Tests Measure Hormones, But Are They Helpful? [04 October 2024]
• Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing [08 June 2025]
  
• Webinars: Previous – The Perimenopause Journey: An Adaptive Reproductive Phase – Webinar [18 February 2025]
  
• What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause? [22 April 2025]
  
• When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning [27 November 2024]
  

1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
   
2. AMS Symptom Score Card
3. Anti-Müllerian Hormone for the Diagnosis and Prediction of Menopause: A Systematic Review
4. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
5. At-Home Menopause Tests: Pros and Cons, What They Test and When To See A Provider
6. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
7. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
8. CAMS Menopause Hour – Perimenopause: A Clinical Challenge
   
9. Causes of Menopause
10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
    
12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Delaying Menopause Through Ovarian Tissue Freezing
13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why it Is Important
    
14. Contraception and the Menopause
15. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
16. Diagnosing Menopause
17. Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Score (Modified Greene Scale)
18. Diagnostic Tests for Menopause
19. Do Menopause Testing Kits Work?
20. Does Having Hot Flashes Mean I’ve Started Menopause?
21. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Impact of Estrogen Deficiency on Quality of Life In Asia and the Role of Continuous Combined MHT In Treatment (EN)
    
22. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
    
23. Everything You Need To Know About Perimenopause
24. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
25. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
26. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
27. First Symptoms of Menopause
    
28. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
29. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
30. HRT Is Not #contraception and So If You Are Perimenopausal Then Added Contraception Is Needed
    
31. HRT Questions Answered
    
32. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
    
33. Home Menopause Tests Measure Hormones, but Are They Helpful?
34. Hot Flashes
35. Hot Flashes
36. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
    
37. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
    
38. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Midlife Brain Fog
39. Is An At-Home Menopause Test Useful for Women? Experts Weigh In
40. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
41. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
    
42. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
    
43. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
44. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Blood Test
45. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
46. Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
    
47. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
    
48. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
    
49. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
50. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
51. Menopause
    
52. Menopause
53. Menopause
54. Menopause Checklist Podcast
55. Menopause Checklist Podcast: Episode 2: Bye Bye Periods
56. Menopause Home Tests: Do They Work?
57. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    
58. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    
59. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 1. What Is Menopause?
60. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
61. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
62. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
63. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
64. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
65. Menopause and Mental Health
66. Menopause – Multilingual Facts Sheet
67. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis
68. Menopause: Identification and Management NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    
69. Menopause: Things You Can Do
70. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
    
71. Menstrual Calendar
72. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
73. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
74. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
    
75. Night Sweats
76. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
77. Peri-Menopause and Irregular Periods
78. Perimenopause
79. Perimenopause
80. Perimenopause
81. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
82. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    
83. Perimenopause or Menopausal Transition: Measuring Hormone Levels In the Menopausal Transition
84. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing [Video]
85. The Lancet: Series From the Lancet Journal – Menopause 2024
86. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    
87. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
    
88. Understanding the Diagnosis
89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
    
90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: New Hormonal Tests To Diagnose or Even Predict the Menopause?
    
91. Webinars: Previous – The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women [15 April 2025]
    
92. Webinars: Previous – The Perimenopause Journey: An Adaptive Reproductive Phase – Webinar
93. Websites Selling Direct-to-Consumer Anti-Mullerian Hormone Tests
94. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
    
95. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause? [Video]
96. What Is Menopause? Diagnosing Perimenopause and Menopause
97. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning [Video]
98. Why Is FSH Not Needed for Diagnosis of Menopause
    
99. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women
100. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources at: