Menopause Tests

Physical Exam

Your doctor may ask you about the date of your last period as well as how often you experience bothersome symptoms. Usually the symptoms women experience are enough to diagnose menopause.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Test

A physician may decide to do a blood test to check your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. During menopause, your FSH levels increase, and estrogen levels decrease. FSH is a hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland. During the first half of your menstrual cycle, this hormone 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.

If you are of childbearing age, you might need to be tested during certain days of your menstrual cycle. In addition to confirming menopause, this test is also performed to test signs of certain reproductive pituitary disorders. Your doctor might order an additional blood test to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) because hypothyroidism can cause symptoms that are similar to menopause.