Here's what the experts have to say.
Testing for menopause is discussed in relation to the clinical 12-month definition, age, cycle history, and hormone levels including FSH and estradiol. Experts below present testing discussions differently and note symptom timing before the 12-month point. Individual testing decisions are presented as provider discussions.
Dr. Attia discusses blood tests discussed around menopause diagnosis in this AMA.
Dr. Attia describes menopause as diagnosed retrospectively after 12 months without a period, without another obvious cause. He discusses FSH and, to a lesser extent, LH and estradiol in evaluating the approach to menopause as outlined in the notes. The show notes state that symptoms can occur before the 12-month point. The full episode is subscriber-only, with a public preview and show notes.
Dr. Gunter explains that menopause diagnosis is made in retrospect in this post.
Dr. Gunter states that menopause officially starts one year after the final menstrual period, so the diagnosis is made in retrospect. She describes the menopause transition as the time leading up to menopause. She notes period spacing in relation to timing of the final period as she presents it. This source focuses on timing definitions rather than a testing panel.
Dr. Brighten defines menopause by 12 months without a period in this episode.
Dr. Brighten defines menopause as 12 consecutive months without a period and describes the next day as postmenopause. She describes phases of perimenopause based on cycle and symptom changes. She gives an average menopause age of about 51 in the United States in this episode. She presents cycle and symptom tracking as part of describing perimenopause.
Dr. Haver discusses menopause biology and timing definitions in this episode.
Dr. Haver discusses perimenopause as the years before the last menstrual period. She describes hormone fluctuations before hormone levels decline. She discusses early menopause and ovarian insufficiency definitions in the episode. This source provides biology background for testing discussions.
Dr. Sims discusses FSH and estradiol results in relation to POI in this article.
Dr. Sims discusses blood work for FSH and estradiol indicating postmenopausal levels in the context of POI as she presents it. She notes that people with POI may still produce estradiol and have irregular periods. She describes POI causes and associated conditions listed in the article. She presents evaluation as a physician discussion.
Dr. Malone discusses hormone treatment timing around the last period in this interview.
Dr. Malone discusses starting hormone treatment around menopause or within 10 years of the last period as a timing topic. She describes estrogen categories and vaginal estrogen separately. She discusses birth control pills in perimenopause as she presents their uses. This source focuses on treatment timing rather than diagnostic testing.
MenoFYI shares what experts have said publicly. It is not medical advice. Talk to your own doctor before making health decisions.
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