How Is Menopause Diagnosed?

There are several ways your health care provider can diagnose menopause. The first is to discuss your menstrual cycle over the last year. You may be postmenopausal, if you have gone a full year without a period. Under certain circumstances, your health care provider may recommend blood tests to check your level of:^[1]

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestrogen (oestradiol): Your FSH level increases and oestradiol levels decrease as menopause occurs. This test can be misleading during the beginning of menopause, when your body is transitioning, and your hormone levels fluctuate up and down.
2. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): An underactive thyroid can cause symptoms to those of menopause.

For many women, a blood test is not necessary. Talk to your health care provider if you have been experiencing symptoms of menopause and irregular periods. They may be able to diagnose menopause after your conversation. For more information, read our definitive guide here on menopause.

1.Mayo Clinic Staff. ‘Menopause: Symptoms & Causes’. Mayo Clinic. Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397>