Hotflash!NewsmagazineMeno-FAQ
Should I get these tests?

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This is a tough question.
Perimenopause is the time when our estrogen, progesterone, and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels are all over the map. They are not stable. Some months, even parts of the month, our estrogen levels can be "normal". But during other months, even parts of the month, our estrogen level can be too low or too high. The same is true for both progesterone and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).

For the majority of women
these blood tests do not prove perimenopause.
It is very frustrating for healthy women to be experiencing classical perimenopause symptoms- hot flashes, heart pounding, sleep disturbances- and then get a "normal" estradiol and FSH level. This does not mean they are not perimenopausal. It means the blood level ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY was "normal". Some doctors may suggest repeated estradiol levels and FSH levels to "prove" a woman is perimenopausal. Serial testing usually is not effective in determining perimenopause.

If my tests are normal,
but I feel all these symptoms, what do I do?

Dr Steven Goldstein says,
"I believe there is much confusion in the use of blood tests.
Invariably perimenopausal patients will have levels of estradiol which will be reported as "premenopausal." Thus estradiol levels are of very little value in patients who are having even irregular bleeding.
(see more of his answer)

Meet the author
Linda Ojeda, Ph.D
"Menopause Without Medicine"
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
interview & FREE Excerpt
Back in the 1980s when perimenopause and menopause were unheard of, Dr. Ojeda was pouring over medical journals researching what has now become of the most important health issues for women- perimenopause and menopause. Learn more about Perimenopause & Menopause, Health Supplements, Herbs & Other products including Black cohosh, Dong quai, Chaste tree (Vitex),  Promensil,  and Estroven. Learn more about Anxiety & Perimenopause,  the role of exercise along with a FREE excerpt on Depression & Mood Swings.

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