By Dr. Jila Senemar 1-Minute Read
Welcome to ASK AN EXPERT, a series where we pose your real questions to our menopause experts for the answers you need. Have a question? Post it on The After Party, our private Facebook Group.
Your Question:
“A few of my friends have been taking ‘tests’ to see if they're in perimenopause. Do these tests work, or are they a hoax? What’s the best way to know where you are in your menopause transition, if at all?”
The Answer:
From Dr. Jila Senemar, a board-certified OB/GYN, certified menopause specialist, longevity physician, and founder of JilaMD, a concierge practice that provides personalized care with a focus on perimenopause, menopause, metabolic optimization, and more.
“Truth is, most of these tests, whether it’s hormone panels, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels, or at-home kits from the pharmacy or online, have limited value in diagnosing perimenopause. That’s because during this transition, estrogen and FSH levels can swing wildly from day to day, even hour to hour. A single ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ result doesn’t give a complete picture, and it can be misleading.
“Truth is, most of these tests...have limited value.”
In fact, many professional societies, including The Menopause Society, recommend diagnosing perimenopause based on changes in your menstrual cycle and symptoms, rather than relying solely on lab tests.
The best way to know where you are in the transition is to track your cycle patterns, note any new symptoms (like hot flashes, night sweats, or sleep changes), and review them with a clinician experienced in menopause care.”
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