Thread: Menopause?
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Old May 19, 2015, 03:32 AM
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Homeira Homeira is offline
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Member Since: Oct 2014
Location: Bergen
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So I did a little research about it on the internet...
Miche31;
Menopause is likely if you haven’t had a period in six months or longer. It’s clinically confirmed after 12 full months without a period.
If you decide to see a doctor ab it, you should track any symptoms you’re experiencing, how many times a day or week they occur, and their severity. Be sure to note when you had your last period and any irregularities that might have occurred.
Also, make a list of medications and supplements you’re currently taking. Mood swings, trouble sleeping, or sexual problems can be part of the picture as well, so probably keep track of that also. Consulting with your doctor will confirm a diagnosis and help you identify ways to reduce negative symptoms.
Vaginal pH levels can also help confirm menopause. During reproductive years, vaginal pH is about 4.5. During menopause, pH rises to about 6. Your doctor can swab the vagina to test the pH levels.Your doctor may order tests to rule out other health problems such as ovarian failure or a thyroid condition.
Your doctor may also decide to do a blood test to check your hormone levels. Specifically, they’ll look at the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. During menopause, your FSH levels increase, and estrogen levels decrease.
This test can detect signs of certain pituitary disorders. Your doctor might order an additional blood test to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) because hypothyroidism can cause symptoms that are similar to menopause.
I got this information from this website: Diagnosis and Tests for Menopause. There was a bit more in the article than what I have written here, so if you are interested, you should probably look there
And then it is the thing with peri-menopause. I intend to look it up as well, but I don't have the head for it right now. Brainpower needs recharge, or coffee...