The period of transition to menopause must be monitored by a gynecologist , in order to refer treatments, hormone replacement and clarifications to the patient.
Clinically, it is possible to diagnose menopause by ordering some tests, including hormonal ones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen, because during menopause, FSH levels increase, while estrogen levels decrease.
The main point in the diagnosis of menopause is to differentiate amenorrhea from other conditions, as menstrual absence can sometimes be a secondary occurrence, pointing out other dysfunctions or changes.
For this, the doctor needs to assess whether the interruption of menstruation is not due, for example, to:
- Hyperthyroidism (dysfunction of the thyroid gland);
- Hyperprolactinemia (increased prolactin hormone production);
- Pregnancy;
- Medications;
- Carcinoid syndrome (tumors in hormone-producing cells);
- Pheochromocytoma (tumor in the adrenal cells).
In addition, women who, before menopause, choose contraceptive methods to avoid menstruating (such as patching contraceptive packs), may take longer to notice the onset of symptoms or menstrual absence.
In such cases, it is important that hormonal follow-up examinations are performed and that the contraceptive suspension or treatment change is conducted by the specialist.
After suspicions of the onset of perimenopause or approaching menopause, it is necessary to follow up for changes that may occur in the body.
Clinical and physiological assessment in pre-menopause or climacteric can be essential to monitor the condition of women. In general, it is a delicate period with significant changes in the organism.
