Diagnostic Insights

Included on this page are 20 essentials covering the diagnostic process of menopause. These essentials cover how menopause is diagnosed, the importance of keeping track of menstrual cycles and menopause symptoms, and how being prepared–before, during, and after–appointments can enhance the menopause journey.

1. Menopause is diagnosed retrospectively when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, including spotting.
2. Menopause is typically diagnosed based on evaluating reported symptoms, a review of menstrual history, and Quality-Of-Life (QOL) scales, rather than diagnostic tests.
3. QOL scales can be general, menopause specific, or combined, and are used to assess the severity of menopause symptoms and their impact on day-to-day functioning.
4. Hormonal blood tests for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estradiol can help with a Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), or premature and early menopause diagnosis.
5. A pelvic examination, hormonal blood tests, or other tests may be completed to diagnose menopause where other conditions are suspected, or a woman is under 45 years.
6. Where other conditions are suspected, blood tests may include Complete Blood Counts (also known as Full Blood Counts), ferritin levels, Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and others.

7. Tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms helps inform healthcare professionals’ personalized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
8. By tracking menstrual cycles, it helps to identify patterns and triggers, and increase body awareness.
9. Keeping track of menopause symptoms provides insight into the body’s hormonal changes, and can help identify and avoid potential triggers.
10. It is important to feel comfortable with chosen healthcare professionals and be able to have an open and honest dialogue.

11. Preparing before, during, and after appointments with healthcare professionals can better use appointment time and enhance the overall experience.
12. Prepare for in person appointments by investigating transport and parking arrangements, to arrive calmly ahead of time.
13. Bring a trusted friend or family member to appointments to offer moral support and help with information retention.
14. Always have a clear outcome in mind for appointments to maximize time and efficiency, which could be a diagnosis, prescription, test result, or referral.
15. Take medical records, any recorded concerns, menstrual cycles, symptom logs, and questions, and any aids such as glasses or hearing aids to appointments.

16. During appointments, openly communicate and ask for clarification when unclear points arise, and request more detailed explanations if required.
17. Ask targeted questions to clarify symptom details, diagnoses, test results, treatment, and management options, and preventive measures.
18. Raise any concerns, or ask healthcare professionals or other medical staff any questions, before the next scheduled appointment.
19. Prepare for the next appointment by recording any concerns or questions to raise, and scheduling follow-up tests or appointments where required.
20. Actively engaging with healthcare professionals transforms menopause into an informed and manageable journey.

To learn more, visit the Diagnosis of Menopause page.