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Health

How Can I Tell Whether I’m In Perimenopause?

In the majority of cases, a blood test won't help. Ask yourself these questions instead.
Several women across tiles, representing the spectrum of people who experience menopause (Illustrations: Nicole Rifkin)

It’s the million-dollar question with no straightforward answer. “Unless your doctor suspects primary ovarian insufficiency or premature menopause, there’s no point in doing a blood test,” says Dr. Shafeena Premji, a Calgary-based doctor who holds a menopause practitioner certification from The Menopause Society. “It won’t tell you anything except your hormone levels at that moment in time.”

Instead, she suggests consulting the questions from the MQ6 menopause evaluation tool, developed by a Canadian physician. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, discuss with your doctor:

  • Are you experiencing any changes in your periods?
  • Are you having any hot flashes? 
  • Are you experiencing dryness, pain or other sexual concerns?
  • Are you experiencing any bladder issues or incontinence?
  • Are you experiencing sleep difficulties?
  • Are you experiencing new or increased anxiety, irritability, depression or low mood? 

Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Menopause

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Maureen Halushak is the editor-in-chief of Chatelaine. Outside of work she's an avid runner, writer, reader and dog walker.

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The cover of the Chatelaine Summer 2025 issue, featuring a pink drink with a paper straw.

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In our Summer 2025 issue, we get real about what sex is like after 40. Plus, living together after divorce, our favourite beauty products of the year and 17 incredibly summery recipes, from ceviche to sour cherry cobbler.