Confirming Menopause

Most women are aware when menopause is approaching—even without a doctor's diagnosis. This is because menopause has very obvious signs and symptoms, including hot flashes and abnormal menstrual periods. These typically appear about six years before menopause even occurs (during a period known as perimenopause).

However, there are tests that can confirm menopause if you're unsure. Your doctor may test your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen levels. These blood tests are useful for determining menopause because FSH levels rise and estrogen levels fall during menopause.

In some cases, your doctor may also order a thyroid-stimulating hormone blood test to rule out the possibility that you may be hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism and menopause share similar symptoms—weight gain, irritability, and abnormal menstrual cycles, to name a few.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that you think might be abnormal or unrelated to menopause, don't hesitate to talk with your doctor. He or she will run tests to make an accurate diagnosis and give you peace of mind. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause and you are under the age of 40, you should also visit your doctor to pinpoint the cause of these symptoms.