The first noticeable symptom of approaching menopause is often a change in the menstrual cycle. This can be very noticeable if your cycle tends to be highly regular, but if not, it may not be so obvious. In some women, hot flashes may occur as an early sign of the transition. If you have concerns about these symptoms, talk with your doctor, especially if the symptoms you are experiencing are severe.

In some cases, such as if you are younger than the average menopause age, the doctor may want to perform a blood test to check your hormone levels. The most common test examines your level of a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone signals the ovary to release estrogen. When the ovaries begin producing less estrogen, FSH levels increase in a vain attempt to stimulate the ovaries to increase their estrogen production. By examining the levels of FSH and estrogen in your blood, the doctor may be able to tell where you are in the transition to menopause. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test for thyroid function to rule out the possibility that you have hypothyroidism (which can cause symptoms similar to those of menopause).