The internet is brimming with menopause humor. From resting in a fridge to cope with hot flashes to personifying the 'mad woman in the attic,' several memes comically portray (and sometimes downplay) the symptoms women experience during menopause. However, the transition to menopause is indeed fraught with discomfort, undesirable bodily changes, and coming to terms with Mother Nature's way. If you are a perimenopausal woman looking for information on menopause and the tests to check it, scroll down to know more.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is the end of menstruation and fertility in women. It is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anywhere between the ages of 45 and 55. The characteristics of menopause are changes in hormone levels, including a decline in estrogen, which can cause various symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.

What Are The Symptoms Of Menopause?

Here's an exhaustive list of menopause symptoms.

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Sleep disturbances

• Irregular periods

• Mood swings

• Decreased sex drive

• Joint and muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Memory lapses and concentration difficulties

• Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

• Loss of bone density that may cause osteoporosis

Are There Any Medical Tests To Confirm Menopause?

Several medical tests can confirm menopause:

• FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) test: A blood test that measures the levels of FSH, which tend to increase as estrogen levels decrease during menopause.

• Estradiol test: A blood test that measures estradiol levels, a type of estrogen hormone that decreases during menopause.

• LH (Luteinizing hormone) test: A blood test that measures the levels of LH, which may increase as the ovaries slow down during menopause.

• Prolactin test: Prolactin is a hormone that plays a role in milk production and can sometimes be elevated in postmenopausal women. A blood test helps determine the rise in prolactin levels because of menopause.

• Thyroid function tests: These tests are used to check the functioning of the thyroid gland, which can be affected by menopause and can cause symptoms similar to menopause.

The best test for confirming menopause depends on the individual case and is best determined in consultation with a healthcare provider.

How Can I Test For Menopause At Home?

You may buy an over-the-counter (OTC) menopause self-test kit to find out if it's time to miss the 'time-of-the-month.' Different types of menopause tests that can be done at home include:

• Saliva hormone test: It measures the levels of estrogen and progesterone in saliva, which signifies if a woman is in menopause.

• Urine hormone test: It helps check follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in urine, which increases as menopause approaches.

• Menopause prediction kit: A kit for testing luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in urine, which goes up before ovulation and can tell if a woman is nearing menopause.

Are Menopause Self-Test Kits Reliable?

The accuracy of menopause self-test kits can vary and is not always reliable. These tests measure hormone levels, but these levels can be affected by many factors, including illness, stress, and certain medications. Therefore, false positive or false negative results are possible.

Additionally, menopause is a complex process with a range of symptoms. Age, lifestyle, and medical history are a few factors that influence hormonal changes during this time. You should consult a healthcare provider for a definitive diagnosis of menopause. In addition, working with a health coach may also help when navigating through rough waters (read menopause!).