Is there a test you should get for perimenopause?

If you’ve noticed changes – like irregular periods, mood changes (low mood, increased anxiety), or trouble sleeping – you might wonder if you’re in perimenopause. But is there a test for perimenopause, or is it all guesswork? Here’s what you need to know about identifying this stage of life.

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What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when you’re still having periods but your hormone levels begin to fall and fluctuate. It can start as early as your late 30s or earlier if you are one of the 1 in 20 women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Typically, perimenopause starts in your mid-40s and can last anywhere from 2 to 10 (or more) years before your periods stop. You have transitioned through menopause and are post menopause if you have had 12 consecutive months without a period.

Common symptoms of perimenopause include:

• Irregular periods (lighter, heavier, or less frequent)
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings and increased anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Brain fog (memory problems, trouble finding words, slowed thinking) or difficulty concentrating
• Changes in libido, hair, and skin

Not all women will experience all of these symptoms. And how you experience a symptom is completely individual too. It’s not unusual for symptoms to sneak up on you over time or come and go throughout the month.

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Is There a Single Test for Perimenopause?

There’s no single test to confirm perimenopause. A doctor might typically diagnose it based on your age, symptoms, and medical history.

However, tests can help rule out other conditions and give clues about your hormone levels:

1. Hormone Blood Tests: These measure levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). During perimenopause, FSH levels often rise as your ovaries produce fewer hormones.
   
2. Thyroid Tests: Thyroid conditions can mimic perimenopause symptoms like fatigue and mood swings, so doctors may check your thyroid function.
   
3. Other Tests: In some cases, blood tests for iron, vitamin D, or other markers might be done to ensure there are no underlying health issues.

It’s important to remember that hormone levels fluctuate daily, so blood tests might not always give clear answers about perimenopause which is why they are not routinely done on women of typical perimenopausal age.

If you are experiencing symptoms at a younger than typical age, blood tests may well be advised to work out what is going on.

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How Can I Tell If I’m in Perimenopause?

While tests can provide some information, tracking your symptoms is one of the best ways to understand if you’re in perimenopause. Here are some steps to take:

1. Track Your Monthly Cycle

Write down the dates of your periods and note any changes. Apps can help you monitor your mood, sleep and physical symptoms, which are often linked to hormonal shifts.

2. Learn About Hormones

Oestrogen/estrogen and progesterone don’t just control your periods—they impact your brain, bones, heart, and sleep. Understanding how these hormones work can help you make sense of your symptoms – it’s not just about your periods.

3. Know the Full Range of Symptoms

Perimenopause isn’t just about hot flashes. Educate yourself on the wide range of symptoms so you can spot changes early.

4. Speak to Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing symptoms before age 40, it could be due to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). A doctor can confirm this and provide support.

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Are Certain Women More Likely to Experience Early Perimenopause?

Yes, some women are more likely to start perimenopause early:

• IVF and Medical Treatments: Women who have undergone IVF, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may experience early hormone changes.
  
• Certain Ethnic Groups: Research suggests Black, Asian, Latina and Indigenous women may begin perimenopause earlier than the average age.

If you fall into one of these groups, it’s especially important to track your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor.

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How to Manage Perimenopause Symptoms

1. Track Symptoms: Use an app or journal to log your periods, mood, and physical changes.
   
2. Stay Active: Regular exercise can improve mood, sleep, and overall well-being.
   
3. Eat Well: Focus on foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fats to support your bones and hormones.
   
4. Talk About It: Having open conversations with friends can normalize menopause (after all, we all go through it) and help you feel supported.
   
5. Seek Help if Needed: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other non-hormone treatments and therapies can ease symptoms—don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) is a completely natural, proven approach to insomnia. It’s recommended as the first line approach by the NHS (UK) and American College of Physicians (USA).
   
6. Read 6 Sleep Tips For Perimenopause if poor quality sleep is your problem.

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Final Thoughts

While there’s no definitive test for perimenopause, tracking your symptoms and having open conversations with your doctor are key to understanding this stage. Educating yourself about the wide range of symptoms can help you navigate perimenopause with confidence. Learning about perimenopause early on means that you can spot any signs of change as they happen and seek help sooner if that’s what you need.