Health Care's video: Menopause Tests and Diagnosis

Menopause Tests and Diagnosis. Menopause Key points. 1.Menopause is clinically confirmed after 12 full months without a period. 2.Your doctor can swab your vagina to test its pH levels, which also can help confirm menopause. 3.If you start noticing symptoms of menopause before you turn 40, you may be experiencing early (or premature) menopause. Menopause is a biological process that occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop releasing mature eggs and her body produces less estrogen and progesterone. Your doctor or gynecologist can also help determine if you’re beginning menopause. They’ll ask about your symptoms, track your cycle, and possibly conduct a few tests. Menopause usually begins between the ages of 40 and 60. It’s likely to have begun if you haven’t had a period in over six months. It’s clinically confirmed after 12 full months without a period. Menopause symptoms. You may first start noticing menopause symptoms a few months or even years before menopause actually begins. This is known as perimenopause. Some of the symptoms you may notice include: *thinning hair. *dryness of the skin. *dryness of the vagina. *lower sex drive. *hot flashes. *night sweats. *irregular changes in mood. *irregular periods. *irregular weight gain. You may go months without a period during the perimenopause phase. However, if you miss a period and don’t notice any other menopausal symptoms, see your doctor or take a test to make sure that you aren’t pregnant. Menopause can be self-diagnosed in most cases. Talk to your doctor to confirm a diagnosis and to identify ways to reduce negative symptoms. This will also give you a chance to ask questions about what to expect. Physical exam. Before you visit your doctor, 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 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 swings, trouble sleeping, or sexual problems. Menopause is a natural process and your doctor can give you expert advice. Usually, the symptoms you describe provide enough evidence to diagnose menopause. Your doctor can swab your vagina to test its pH levels, which can also help confirm menopause. Vaginal pH is about 4.5 during your reproductive years. During menopause, vaginal pH rises to a balance of 6. If you’re having menopausal symptoms, your doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions, such as ovarian failure or a thyroid condition. These tests may include: *a blood test to check your levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. *a thyroid function test. *a lipid profile. *tests for liver and kidney function. Follicle-stimulating hormone test. Although it’s rarely needed, your doctor may order a blood test to check your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. During menopause, your FSH levels increase and your estrogen levels decrease. During the first half of your menstrual cycle, FSH, a hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulates maturation of eggs as well as a hormone called estradiol. Estradiol is a form of estrogen that is responsible for (among other things) the growth of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina. In addition to confirming menopause, this test can detect signs of certain pituitary disorders. Your doctor may order an additional blood test to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as hypothyroidism can cause symptoms that are similar to menopause. Early menopause. If you start noticing symptoms of menopause before you turn 40, you may be experiencing early (or premature) menopause. Early menopause can happen for a number of reasons, including: *chromosomal defects, such as Turner’s Syndrome. *autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease. *surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or uterus (hysterectomy). *chemotherapy or other radiation therapies for cancer. If you’re under 40 and haven’t had a period in over 12 months, see your doctor to get tested for early menopause. Your doctor will use many of the same tests mentioned above for menopause, especially tests used to determine your levels of estrogen and FSH. E All Photos Licensed Under CC Source : www.pexels.com www.pixabay.com www.commons.wikimedia.org