No Simple Test: Diagnosis Is Clinical

Dr. Rebecca explains there is no single blood test for perimenopause and diagnosis relies on clinical judgment.

Play episode from 01:35

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Transcript

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Transcript

Episode notes

We would have called this episode "What Fresh Hell is This?" but the title was already taken.

But this title also works, because when we mention perimenopause to people, we often get that confused German Shepherd head tilt and "periwhatnow?" Given that this podcast is focused around perimenopause, we wanted to make sure listeners were clear on what perimenopause actually is.

So what is it? If your periods are changing, if your moods are wonky, if every day something new happens, leaving you wondering "what fresh hell is this?" then it's perimenopause.

Truth is, there's no blood test or hormone level that determines perimenopause. It's a diagnosis based on clinical judgment. And frankly, we're less interested in the diagnosis and far more interested in helping you get through it healthfully and happily.

All that said, we do want you to understand what's happening in your body and how what's happening can affect mood, sleep, energy, and so much more.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Understanding perimenopause and its phases

[1:05] Pre-, peri-, and full menopause