Diagnosing the perimenopause can begin with yourself or your doctor diagnosing the perimenopause, taking into consideration your age and your symptoms.
The perimenopause usually starts during your 40s and 50s. It can, however, present itself in your 30s. If you notice changes to your menstrual cycle, accompanied by hot flushes or night sweats, for example, the likelihood is that you are indeed perimenopausal.
It is always advisable to speak with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and any treatments that may be available to you. There are blood tests available, however, due to fluctuating hormones, which may give different results depending on the time of the month that they carried out, they are not always that useful.
Medical professionals usually look at your symptoms to diagnose the perimenopause.
If you are visiting your doctor to find out if you are indeed in perimenopause it may be a good idea to write your symptoms, write questions you may have regarding treatment and then write any instructions or information that your doctor gives you so that you can read it again after your appointment to make an informed decision regarding treatments so that you know what to expect.