There isn’t a single, definitive test that will diagnose menopause. However, hormonal evaluations and other tests may help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

The beginning of the menopausal transition, called perimenopause, causes hormonal fluctuations that can lead to a wide variety of symptoms. These can include hot flashes, mood changes, and menstrual cycle irregularities.

If you think your symptoms may be related to menopause, a healthcare professional can help you confirm it and recommend management methods.

There isn’t a definitive menopause test, but some tests may help rule out other causes of your symptoms and point toward menopause.

For example, doctors can order a blood test to check your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. During the menopausal transition, your FSH levels increase, and your estrogen levels fluctuate and decrease overall.

Though this test can show irregularities in your hormone levels, it can’t definitively diagnose menopause. This is because it measures your hormone levels at a specific point in time, and menopause causes fluctuations that can’t be captured with a single test.

Also, many other factors can affect the result of an FSH test, including the use of hormonal birth control.

But an FSH test and other hormone tests, like a thyroid-stimulating hormone test, may still be valuable because they may show signs of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. If these tests don’t suggest that another condition is present, your doctor may conclude that your symptoms are menopause-related.

»Learn more:FSH and menopause

Doctors typically consider a few factors when diagnosing menopause. They’ll often start by evaluating your symptoms.

They may look for:

  • thinning hair
  • dryness of the skin
  • dryness of the vagina
  • lower sex drive
  • hot flashes
  • night sweats
  • mood changes
  • irregular periods
  • weight gain
  • sleep disruptions

They may also consider your age. On average, most people enter perimenopause between the ages of 45 and 55.

However, some people may notice symptoms much earlier. Healthcare professionals typically describe menopause that happens before age 45 as early or premature menopause.

There’s generally only one definitive way to identify when the menopausal transition is complete. Perimenopause ends and postmenopause officially begins once you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months.

»Learn more:Menopause symptoms

There are a few steps you can take to prepare for your doctor’s appointment:

  • Track any symptoms you’re experiencing, how often they occur, and how severe they are.
  • Note when you had your last period and report any irregularities in timing that might have occurred.
  • Make a list of medications and supplements you’re currently taking.

Your doctor will ask you about the date of your last period as well as how often you experience symptoms. Don’t be afraid to discuss all of your symptoms, which may include hot flashes, spotting, mood changes, trouble sleeping, or sexual issues.

Most people typically visit a primary care practitioner or a gynecologist to determine whether they’re experiencing menopause.

It can also help to look for a healthcare professional who is a menopause specialist. They may mention having experience managing menopause in their listing online.

You can search for menopause practitioners using this directory from the Menopause Society.

If you’re in early or premature menopause, it may also help to visit with an endocrinologist who has experience with menopause. These healthcare professionals can help manage the hormonal effects in the long term.

If you’re experiencing menopause, you and your doctor can discuss treatment options. You may not need any treatment if your symptoms aren’t severe.

But your doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes or medications to manage symptoms that can affect your quality of life, like hot flashes. They may also recommend hormone therapy for some people, particularly those who are under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset.

Menopause can increase your risk of other conditions, especially those associated with aging, like heart disease. Continue to visit your doctor for preventive care, including regular check-ups and physical exams, to make sure that you’re aware of any conditions and to ensure your best possible health.

Though diagnosing menopause doesn’t generally involve tests, hormone tests may help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Doctors usually identify menopause by evaluating a person’s symptoms and age.

If you’re experiencing symptoms you think may be related to menopause, consider talking with a primary care doctor or gynecologist. They can help you figure out whether you’re experiencing menopause and recommend next steps.