Question 1

How do I know what menopause stage I am in?

Accepted Answer

Menopause stage is defined mainly by your menstrual-cycle pattern, not a single hormone test. Regular cycles mean you are premenopausal; a persistent change of 7 or more days in cycle length marks early perimenopause; gaps of 60 days or more mark late perimenopause; and 12 months with no period means you have reached menopause. This is the STRAW+10 medical staging system.

Question 2

Can a blood test tell me if I am in perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Usually not reliably. In perimenopause, oestrogen and FSH fluctuate so much that a single blood test can look normal one week and menopausal the next. Guidelines such as NICE advise against testing FSH to diagnose perimenopause in women over 45 with typical symptoms.

Question 3

What age does perimenopause usually start?

Accepted Answer

Perimenopause most often begins in the mid-40s and lasts around 4 to 7 years, with menopause at an average age of about 51. Menopause before age 40 is called premature ovarian insufficiency and should be assessed by a doctor.

Question 4

Is this assessment a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

No. It is an educational self-assessment based on the STRAW+10 staging criteria and a symptom checklist. It can help you understand where you are and what to discuss with a clinician, but does not replace medical advice.

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