How do they test for perimenopause? - Menopause Message Board

stedwell · 03-05-2004, 02:24 PM

Hi
I was recently tested to see if my thyroid was functioning properly. Everthing was OK with the blood test. If I was perimenopausal would that have been noticed from the test results?

Direne · 03-05-2004, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stedwell

Hi
I was recently tested to see if my thyroid was functioning properly. Everthing was OK with the blood test. If I was perimenopausal would that have been noticed from the test results?

Alot of the symptoms are the same as thyroid, if you are at that age that you could be in perimenopause your dr. can run a blood test to check your hormone levels. It is a different test than thyroid. The test will show where you are at but if you are still ovulating then the test results can be deceiving. My dr. said because I had the classic symptoms, even though my blood work indicated I was still producing hormones that I probably wasn't getting enough consistently. Dr. is trying me on a low dose HRT. There are about 35 symptoms. Let me know how you are, none of these symptoms are fun. It helps though to have someone to talk to that is going through it too.

csoar2004 · 03-05-2004, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stedwell

Hi
I was recently tested to see if my thyroid was functioning properly. Everthing was OK with the blood test. If I was perimenopausal would that have been noticed from the test results?

Not necessarily. A blood test for FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) is generally the definitive test for perimenopause and menopause.

Before the Change is a wonderful book, I recommend it!

alwaysaworrier · 03-05-2004, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direne

Alot of the symptoms are the same as thyroid, if you are at that age that you could be in perimenopause your dr. can run a blood test to check your hormone levels. It is a different test than thyroid. The test will show where you are at but if you are still ovulating then the test results can be deceiving. My dr. said because I had the classic symptoms, even though my blood work indicated I was still producing hormones that I probably wasn't getting enough consistently. Dr. is trying me on a low dose HRT. There are about 35 symptoms. Let me know how you are, none of these symptoms are fun. It helps though to have someone to talk to that is going through it too.

I am wondering if there is a particular time of month that is best for having the test done?

Direne · 03-08-2004, 06:23 AM

I am not sure what time of the month is better, call the drs. office, they probably can tell you. How are you feeling today? I know how you feel, I thought for sure my thyroid was low but all my test came back within normal range. It is hard to be optimistic when you feel so rotten but hang in there, everyone tells me there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Let's hope the tunnel is short.