“Blood tests won’t tell you when your final period is going to happen and won’t help you manage your perimenopause, or what follows”.1
Umbrella
What may the Menopause Diagnosis Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Menopause Confirmation
- Menopause Diagnosis
- Menopause Test
- Perimenopause Diagnosis
- Perimenopause Test
Predict or Confirm
Is there a simple test to predict or confirm menopause or perimenopause?
In How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? The Bottom Line the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:
“To date, there is no simple test to predict or confirm menopause or perimenopause, but research continues. So, check your menstrual calendar and seek your health providers’ opinions”.2
Final Menstrual Period Blood Tests
Can blood tests tell you when your final period is going to happen?
In About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:
“Blood tests won’t tell you when your final period is going to happen and won’t help you manage your perimenopause, or what follows. During the perimenopause, hormone levels vary widely and can be low one day and within the normal range the next”.3
Perimenopause Blood Tests
Can blood tests diagnose perimenopause?
In About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Tests the JH elaborate on:
Menopause Blood Tests
Can blood tests diagnose menopause?
In About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Tests the JH elaborate on:
Best Way
Currently what is the best way to predict menopause?
In About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? The Best Test So Far the JH also explain:
“Currently, the best way to predict menopause is to use the symptoms you have as a guide to whether you are close to menopause. If your periods are irregular or have stopped for some time, or if you are experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes and they are gradually getting worse, these signs are likely to be better indicators than blood or saliva tests that you are getting closer to menopause”.6
Diagnosis
How is menopause diagnosed?
In Diagnosing Menopause: Key Points the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) explain:
- “A diagnosis of menopause is made on the basis of new onset vasomotor symptoms and a change in the pattern of menstrual bleeding”.7
What are vasomotor symptoms?
DotS the definition of vasomotor symptoms may vary. The International Menopause Society note:
“Hot flushes and night sweats are also referred to as Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS)”.8
In About Menopause: The Stages of Menopause – Perimenopause: Diagnosis of Perimenopause JH explain:
- Changes in the nature of your periods, such as:
- How frequent they are now and if that has changed?
- How long they last and if that has changed?
- How light or heavy they are and if that has changed?”9
In Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis 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”.10
Symptom Score
What is the Symptom Score used by the AMS?
In Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Score (Modified Greene Scale) the AMS include a Symptom Score (Modified Greene Scale) and in Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Score Sheet explain:
Blood Test
What may a blood test measure?
In the NICE Guideline Menopause Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause the (British) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) explain:
“The blood test measures a hormone called FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). FSH is found in higher levels in menopause. You should not be offered this test if you are taking a contraceptive containing oestrogen and progestogen or high dose progestogen because the contraceptive changes your natural FSH levels”.12
How reliable is a single FSH test as an indicator of perimenopause?
In What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? the AMS also note:
“A single hormone test, such as a measurement of elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is not a reliable indicator of the peri-menopause, as during this time women’s hormone levels fluctuate from day to day”.13
In How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Testing? the NAMS elaborate on:
“…a single FSH level can be misleading in perimenopause since estrogen production does not fall at a steady rate from day to day. Instead, both estrogen and FSH levels can vary greatly during perimenopause. One elevated FSH level is not enough to confirm menopause. More importantly, a low FSH level in a woman who is having hot flashes and changing periods does not eliminate the likelihood that she is still in perimenopause”.14
What can compromise the validity of FSH tests?
In Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis the AMS also note:
“It is especially unhelpful to do hormone blood tests while women are on HRT/OCP…”.15
What is HRT?
HRT can be an abbreviation for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), otherwise known as Hormone Therapy (HT) or Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT).
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 – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:
“Over-the-counter home tests to check FSH levels in your urine are available. The tests could tell you whether you have elevated FSH levels and might be in perimenopause or menopause. But, since FSH levels rise and fall during the course of your menstrual cycle, home FSH tests can’t really tell you whether or not you’re definitely in a stage of menopause”.16
Saliva Tests
Can saliva tests diagnose perimenopause?
In What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? the AMS note:
“While some practitioners recommend saliva tests to determine hormone levels, there is no evidence that the result will be accurate or useful. The Australasian Menopause Society does not endorse the use of these tests. Measurement of AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) can help to predict age of menopause but it is not a test routinely used except in the specialist setting”.17
In How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Saliva Testing? the NAMS also note:
“Some clinicians recommend testing a woman’s saliva for estrogen or other hormone levels. But salivary hormone levels are expensive, are not accurate, and should not be used to evaluate or treat menopausal symptoms”.18
Blood Tests Because…
So if “blood tests won’t tell you when your final period is going to happen” or are unnecessary to diagnose perimenopause or menopause, why may they be ordered?
In About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Tests the JH elaborate on:
“In some unusual situations, such as in women younger than 45 whose periods are irregular or have stopped, a doctor will measure hormone levels. Outside of such situations, hormone levels are not very helpful and won’t change the advice a doctor will give you about treating menopausal symptoms”.19
In What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? the AMS note:
“It is not necessary to have hormonal tests to “prove” a woman is menopausal. However a doctor may order tests if there is concern that physical changes are a sign of illness, such as a thyroid disorder, rather than natural ageing, or if spontaneous menopause occurs at an early age”.20
In the NICE Guideline Menopause Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause the NICE explain:
- You are between 40 and 45 and have menopausal symptoms, including changes in your menstrual cycle (how often you have periods)
- You are under 40 and your GP suspects you are in menopause”.21
Who is a GP?
DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
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 the NICE Guideline Menopause Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause the NICE elaborate on:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics 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.- 5 of the Most Common Questions About Menopause
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 5. Myth – A Blood Test Is Necessary To Diagnose Menopause
- About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause
- Antimullerian Hormone and Impending Menopause In Late Reproductive Age: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Blood Tests Can Predict Timing of Final Menstrual Bleeding
- Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
- Causes of Menopause
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
- Diagnosing Menopause
- Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Score (Modified Greene Scale)
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
- FDA Permits Marketing of A Diagnostic Test To Aid In the Determination of Menopausal Status [PicoAMH Elisa Diagnostic Test] [Food and Drug Administration, United States]
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
- Four Common Causes of Night Sweats
- HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
- How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Blood Test
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
- MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
- Making Choices At Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause Basics: How Will I Know If I Am Starting the Transition To Menopause?
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: An Introduction To Menopause
- Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause
- Menopause Matters
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause [Home-Use Test Kit To Measure Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)]
- Menopause – Fact Sheet (Plain English)
- Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause, Perimenopause and Postmenopause
- Menopause: Consulting the Doctor About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Early (Premature) Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Emotions and the Menopause: Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Hot Flushes and Sweats [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
- Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Profiles – Perimenopausal [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
- Menstrual Calendar
- Menstrual Calendar: Calendario Menstrual [Spanish]
- Menstrual Calendar: Calendrier Menstruel [French]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
- New Advances In Detecting, Managing Menopause: What PCPs Need To Know [Primary Care Providers] [Re: PicoAMH Elisa]
- Night Sweats
- Ovulation Test (Saliva Test)
- Perimenopause
- Perimenopause or Menopausal Transition: Measuring Hormone Levels In the Menopausal Transition
- Period Pain & Symptom Diary
- Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
- Supporting Women Through Menopause
- Symptoms of Menopause
- Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- The Menopause Years
- Top Health Checks for Women
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
- Video Series-2020 – TSECs—A New Treatment for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
- Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?
- What Is Hormone Testing?
- What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
- What Is Menopause?
- Women’s Wellness: Menopause Misconceptions [+ Video]
- Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
- Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020 – Patient Information Leaflet: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) [Multiply Languages]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources at:
Sources
- About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Tests. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? The Bottom Line. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause- Accessed: 04 January 2021
- About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Tests. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Test. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Test. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? The Best Test So Far. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Diagnosing Menopause: Key Points. April 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Hot Flushes and Night Sweats – Background Information: What Are Hot Flushes and Night Sweats? October 2011:1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2011/wmd_media_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 04 January 2021
- About Menopause: The Stages of Menopause – Perimenopause: Diagnosis of Perimenopause. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis. April 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Score Sheet. April 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause. NICE Guidelines [NG23]. Published Date: November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? Content Updated February 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Testing? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause- Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Diagnosing Menopause: Key Points. April 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Menopause – Diagnosis & Treatment: Diagnosis. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 04 January 2021
- What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? Content Updated February 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Saliva Testing? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause- Accessed: 04 January 2021
- About Menopause: Diagnosis of Menopause – Is There A Test To Diagnose Perimenopause or Menopause? Blood Tests. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- What Is Menopause? How Is Menopause Diagnosed? Content Updated February 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause. NICE Guidelines [NG23]. Published Date: November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause. NICE Guidelines [NG23]. Published Date: November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 04 January 2021