Women going through perimenopause you have to cope with various biological changes that may be difficult to understand — difficult in a sense that women, like you, wonder whether they’re experiencing menopause or a different medical condition. Diagnosing perimenopause is the best way to identify whether these symptoms are normal or not.

Going through perimenopause may not be subtle for some women. An increase in body temperature will induce night sweats and hot flashes. Mood swings is also a common symptom among perimenopausal women. The discomfort and symptoms might be too much for some to handle, so the need for diagnosing perimenopause is very important.

Your doctor will ask you to record your menstrual cycle to stay updated with any menstrual irregularities (i.e. bleeding). Irregular periods are the primary sign of perimenopause and also a basis for its diagnosis. Menopause generally occurs around a woman’s forties to fifties, and is marked by no menstrual bleeding for a year.

Physical assessments, like pelvic exams and determination of your medical history, are some exams to diagnose perimenopause. Your pelvic exam should reveal a dry vagina and loss of tissue as seen by the thinning of its walls.

Your health care provider will also conduct blood tests on you. Estrogen levels and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) tests are essential in differentiating the normal phases of menopause from serious medical conditions, such as thyroid problems. A woman going through menopause should have lower estrogen levels and higher FSH levels, as ovaries are starting to shut down so levels tend to be erratic.

Pap smear tests are also required to diagnose perimenopause. This test will determine if the cells in your vaginal wall are undergoing changes. Furthermore, this will be required from you in the long run because abnormal cell changes in the vaginal walls may indicate cancer.

Psychological manifestations also come into play. Emotional outbursts may be too overwhelming, putting social ties at risk. A perimenopausal woman may take this event stressful and if not, incapable of preventing such outbursts.

Another sign that women are concerned about is sexual drive. Sex tends to be painful (due to vaginal dryness). Fluctuating hormones can’t sustain libido among women, which can strain relationships with their partners.

Diagnosing perimenopause is important in detecting underlying conditions that can have harmful effects in your body. Care should also be approached holistically. Both the mind and the body are going through radical changes that can frustrate perimenopausal women.

Women going through this phase should understand that this is an inevitable part of life. A positive outlook and productive lifestyle (despite the circumstances) should be your goal to help you get through this difficult time.