Predicting menopause

Would you do things differently if you knew exactly when menopause would begin? According to researchers at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, a simple blood test could pinpoint exactly when a woman can expect the onset of menopause. 

The test, developed by Iranian doctors and backed by the World Health Organisation, measures the concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone, which is produced by the ovaries. Based on their 12-year study of blood samples from more than 250 women at intervals of three years, the researchers were able to predict exactly when menopause would take effect. If made available, the test will allow women to plan how early they’ll need to start a family.
 

Early onset menopause

Some women may experience premature menopause – even in their 20s and 30s – either naturally or as a result of surgery such as a hysterectomy or cancer treatments. Symptoms can also appear earlier if you smoke. More about early onset menopause