First of all, what is perimenopause (also known as pre-menopause)?
Perimenopause is the life stage where changes start happening to your menstrual cycle, as the amount eggs you were born with start to decline, so you no longer ovulate to release an egg with each menstrual cycle.
Menopause is the date when it's been 12 months since your final menstrual period (FMP).
Postmenopause is the stage after that date. Your ovaries are no longer ovulating and releasing eggs or manufacturing reproductive hormones.
Diagnosis & assessment of perimenopause
Perimenopause is diagnosed based on menstrual cycle tracking and symptoms (if they are experienced). There is no blood test or any other testing (like a DUTCH urine test or saliva) that can diagnose perimenopause. Testing hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or FSH is unreliable due to their fluctuating levels.
Early perimenopause can be identified in women when the length of your menstrual cycle starts to fluctuate plus or minus 7 days. So, if you previously had consistent periods every 28 days, you may now experience 21 day or 35 day cycles. Late perimenopause - 1-3 years before the FMP - is characterized by cycles over 60 days.
The reason we do blood testing at this time is to rule out any other possible cause of your symptoms, like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction.
Perimenopause a biological process that happens naturally as our ovarian reserve starts to decline. This phase of every woman's life is to be celebrated, not suffered through. (No more worrying about possible pregnancy or period products!) If you are experiencing symptoms, book an apt to get back to feeling your best.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician.
