Why can normal hormone lab results fail to rule out perimenopause?

Normal hormone lab results can fail to rule out perimenopause because hormone levels fluctuate wildly during this transition. At Alloy, we know that in perimenopause, your estrogen and progesterone can be high one moment and low the next, making a single blood test unreliable. Even if your lab results come back "normal," you might still be experiencing significant symptoms due to these unpredictable swings. What matters most is how you feel, not just what the numbers say.

Healthcare experts agree that perimenopause is best diagnosed by listening to your symptoms and medical history, not by relying on hormone tests. For a deeper dive into why hormone testing is unreliable in perimenopause, check out these helpful video chapters:

• Why Hormone Testing Is Unreliable in Perimenopause (Dr. Corinne Menn)
• Limitations of Perimenopause Testing (Dr. Mary Claire Haver)
• Myth 10: Hormone Level Testing Diagnoses Perimenopause (Dr. Kudzai Dombo)

If you're experiencing symptoms and want to learn more about perimenopause and how Alloy can help, visit our Perimenopause Information Page. At Alloy, we're here to support you with expert guidance and effective treatment options.

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This answer was created using the following resources:

• Perimenopause 101 | Dr. Corinne Menn - Why Hormone Testing Is Unreliable in Perimenopause
• Ask the Expert: Personalizing Menopause Care | Dr. Mary Claire Haver - Limitations of Perimenopause Testing
• Menopause Myth-Busting: Ten Things We're Tired of Hearing! | Dr. Kudzai Dombo - Myth 10: Hormone Level Testing Diagnoses Perimenopause
• What is Perimenopause | Alloy