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The Problem with Hormone Tests in Perimenopause

by Beth Campagna

You’re not imagining it – something’s changed.
The energy dips, the sleep struggles, the “why am I suddenly gaining weight doing the same things I always did?” feelings. Many women over 40 find themselves asking their GP for hormone tests, hoping for clarity. But what if those tests are part of the problem?

One Test Can’t Capture Hormone Chaos

During perimenopause, hormone levels – particularly oestrogen and progesterone – fluctuate wildly. You could have “normal” levels on a Monday morning… and be crashing by Monday evening. That’s why a one-time blood, urine, or saliva test isn’t clinically reliable for diagnosing perimenopause.

Medical professionals call perimenopause a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it’s based on symptoms, not a single lab result.

Billions Wasted on Misleading Hormone Testing

In fact, experts estimate that billions of pounds are wasted each year on unnecessary hormone testing. Why? Because women are desperate for answers, and often told they need “proof” they’re perimenopausal, even when their symptoms say it all.

Unless hormone levels are being measured continuously over several weeks (which isn’t practical or affordable), a snapshot simply isn’t meaningful.

So What Should You Do?

Here’s what matters more than chasing numbers:

  • Track your symptoms: sleep patterns, mood swings, cycle changes, fatigue, cravings, anxiety.

  • Look at the full picture, not just the hormones: stress, diet, movement, sleep, and recovery all play a role.

  • Work with someone who listens, not someone who tells you “your test is fine, so it must be in your head.”

Movement Matters – Even More Than Ever

Perimenopause doesn’t mean everything is out of your control. In fact, this is the perfect time to focus on building strength, stability, and resilience.

At this stage, your body benefits most from strength training, smarter cardio, and recovery strategies. It’s about fuelling your body, not punishing it, and adapting your workouts to support your shifting hormones.

If you're ready for a fitness approach that gets where you’re at, let’s chat.

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