Perimenopause

Recently, a 48-year-old perimenopausal woman was advised to do an AMH or antimullerian hormone test to diagnose perimenopause. She had hot flashes and severe muscle and joint aches that limited her from going for a walk - basically, she had symptoms of perimenopause. So I would like to use this opportunity to point out that there is NO test for the diagnosis of perimenopause. Tests like FSH or follicle stimulating hormone and AMH are used as predictors of ovarian reserve or fertility for women who are trying to conceive but they don't really work for diagnosing perimenopause and predicting menopause, especially for women over the age of 40 years.

Your age, menstrual history, and symptoms are enough to diagnose perimenopause. Some of these symptoms include a change in your menstrual cycle length, hot flashes, mood disturbances, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, reduction in libido, or desire to have sex...the list goes on.

Bottomline, The diagnosis of perimenopause is made from a woman's symptoms and medical history - all of which only YOU can provide to your doctor. So, trust what you feel and use it as a sign to seek support and above all, instead of using your money on unreliable tests to diagnose it, use it for more useful tests like your cholesterol, blood sugar, pap smear, bone density...basically, test something can help you improve your health NOT something that's telling what you already know…

#menopause #perimenopause #menopausewize #perimenopausesymptoms #perimenopausesupport