Today Dr Virdi answers questions on Peri-Menopause and Menopause. Don’t forget to send in any questions you might have for Dr Virdi. All personal details remain confidential. We will only publish your question.
Questions:
“Do I need hormone tests to confirm perimenopause or menopause? Are there other conditions (thyroid, anaemia, etc.) that could mimic these symptoms? How often should i have blood tests or health checks during this stage?”
Answers:
Do I need hormone tests to confirm perimenopause or menopause?
No. It is very common for women to request blood tests to check their hormone levels, but in most cases these are neither necessary nor particularly helpful.
During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate considerably. Oestrogen and FSH levels can vary significantly, even from one day to another. Therefore, a single blood test cannot reliably confirm or exclude perimenopause.
In women aged 45 and over, perimenopause and menopause are generally diagnosed clinically, based on symptoms and changes to menstrual cycles.
Menopause is diagnosed retrospectively after:
12 consecutive months without a period in women aged 50 or over.
24 consecutive months without a period in women under 50 (where applicable).
FSH testing is occasionally useful in women aged 50–55 who are considering stopping contraception.
Are there other conditions (thyroid problems, anaemia, etc.) that could mimic these symptoms?
Yes. Some symptoms associated with perimenopause can also be caused by other medical conditions.
For example:
Iron deficiency or anaemia: Can cause tiredness, fatigue, poor concentration and reduced exercise tolerance, particularly in women experiencing heavy periods.
Thyroid dysfunction: Both an underactive and overactive thyroid can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, mood changes and changes to menstrual cycles.
Vitamin deficiencies: Low vitamin B12 or vitamin D can sometimes contribute to fatigue and other symptoms.
If the diagnosis is unclear, or symptoms suggest another underlying condition, your GP may recommend some blood tests to investigate these possibilities.
It is important not to automatically attribute every new symptom to the menopause.
How often should I have blood tests or health checks during this stage?
There is no set requirement for routine hormone blood tests or additional health checks simply because you are approaching or going through menopause. However, this is a good opportunity to take stock of your general health.
For women with existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol or diabetes, regular monitoring should continue as recommended by their doctor. For otherwise healthy women, a general health review with their GP can be useful at different stages of life, particularly around 40, 50 and 60. This might include:
Blood pressure monitoring.
Weight and BMI assessment, where appropriate.
Cardiovascular risk assessment.
Blood tests where clinically indicated.
Reviewing lifestyle factors such as exercise, nutrition, alcohol consumption and smoking.