Diagnosis
So, how do you know if it’s perimenopause — and not just stress, burnout, or “getting older”?
The truth is, perimenopause isn’t always easy to diagnose. There’s no single test that gives a definite answer, and symptoms can show up years before your periods stop. Many women are told it’s just anxiety or depression, when really, it’s your hormones doing the cha-cha. Diagnosis often comes down to recognising patterns — your age, your cycle changes, and a collection of symptoms that just don’t feel like “you.” The most powerful tool? Your own awareness. Let’s talk about how to track what’s going on and how to get the support you deserve.
Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis - it cannot be diagnosed by a blood test alone.
Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis because your hormone levels are all over the place — literally changing day to day. A single blood test can’t capture that hormonal rollercoaster, which is why doctors look at your symptoms, age, and cycle patterns instead. It’s about the full picture, not just a number. If you feel “off” and your symptoms are stacking up, that is enough to start a conversation — and you don’t need a blood test to prove it.