What it measures
- Oestradiol
- Progesterone
- FSH
- LH
- TSH
- Free T4
Is it the perimenopause?
The perimenopause is the time, often several years, when hormones fluctuate before your periods stop. Symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, low mood, brain fog and changing periods can begin in your early to mid-40s.
What this profile shows
- FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone show where your hormones are, although they can swing day to day during the perimenopause.
- TSH and free T4 check your thyroid, as an underactive thyroid can cause very similar symptoms.
Over 45, the perimenopause is usually diagnosed from symptoms alone and blood tests aren’t essential, but many women find the results reassuring and useful when talking to their GP about HRT. If you’re under 45 with symptoms, testing is particularly helpful.
Who it’s for
- Irregular periods in your 40s
- Hot flushes, night sweats or poor sleep
- Low mood, anxiety or brain fog
- Symptoms before the age of 45
How to prepare
- Drink plenty of water beforehand; it makes the sample quicker and easier to take.
- You don’t need to fast.
- If you have periods, book for day 2–5 of your cycle (day 1 is the first day of bleeding).
- Stop biotin (vitamin B7) supplements 48 hours before, as biotin can affect hormone and thyroid results.
Perimenopausal Profile Blood Test: your questions
Can a blood test tell me if I’m perimenopausal?
Blood tests can support the picture, but hormones fluctuate so much that a single normal result doesn’t rule it out. Over 45, your symptoms are the main guide.
Information on this page is general and doesn’t replace advice from your GP, midwife or consultant. If you feel unwell or are worried about symptoms, contact your GP, call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999.