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Perimenopause

Have I Started Perimenopause? What to Know About At-Home Perimenopause Tests

Clara Siegmund
Clara Siegmund

With at-home perimenopause tests, you can track your hormones to take your health into your own hands and figure out if you’ve started perimenopause, if you’re still ovulating, and how your hormones link to perimenopause symptoms.

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Apr 5, 2024
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May 11, 2025
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With at-home perimenopause tests, you can track your hormones to take your health into your own hands and figure out if you’ve started perimenopause, if you’re still ovulating, and how your hormones link to perimenopause symptoms.

Perimenopause
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With at-home perimenopause tests, you can track your hormones to take your health into your own hands and figure out if you’ve started perimenopause, if you’re still ovulating, and how your hormones link to perimenopause symptoms.

As you get older, your body changes. 

Biological shifts bring you out of your reproductive years, over the menopause threshold, and into postmenopause. These changes begin with perimenopause. 

Here’s how to tell if you’ve started perimenopause, and everything there is to know about the tool that can get you the information you need: at-home perimenopause tests.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause, meaning “around menopause,” is the period of transition into menopause. 

During this time, you go through major internal shifts, driven largely by key reproductive hormones. 

Your body’s production of estrogen and progesterone fluctuates significantly, eventually declining overall. Production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) also fluctuates and changes, rising overall.

Perimenopause typically begins sometime in the late 30s or early 40s. However, each person is different, so the onset of perimenopause can vary: some people may experience symptoms earlier, while others may not notice any changes until their mid-40s. 

The duration of perimenopause can vary from person to person, too. On average, perimenopause lasts around seven years, but for some people it can continue for over a decade. Once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period, you’ve officially exited perimenopause and reached menopause.

What are the signs of perimenopause?

The hormonal changes that come with this menopausal transition can cause a number of perimenopause signs and symptoms that may help clue you in to what’s happening in your body. 

Signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:

Of course, it’s always good to pay close attention to what’s happening in your body. But sometimes, signs and symptoms are hard to decipher and it can be difficult to tell if you’re feeling off, if it’s PMS, or if it’s perimenopause.  

The most surefire way to understand whether you’ve started perimenopause—and to get a better grasp on your changing body—is to track your hormones using at-home perimenopause tests.

What is an at-home perimenopause test?

At-home perimenopause tests measure certain key reproductive hormones to help you see what’s happening in your body.

These tests use either urine, blood, or saliva samples to measure all or a combination of:

  • Progesterone (or PdG in urine)
  • Estrogen (or E3G in urine)
  • LH
  • FSH

Since these hormones all change over time during perimenopause (remember: progesterone and estrogen decrease, while LH and FSH increase), tracking all or a combination of them can help you understand whether or not you’ve started perimenopause.

Many at-home tests are actually combination at-home and lab tests: you provide a sample and that sample gets sent to a lab for analysis, all before you receive results. Other tests measure only one hormone, usually FSH, but a single test of only one hormone doesn’t give you nearly enough information to confirm perimenopause.

There are some at-home perimenopause tests, though, that measure multiple hormones and provide instant results, including the Oova at-home Perimenopause Hormone Kit. Oova measures LH, PdG (a urinary metabolite of progesterone), and E3G (an estrogen metabolite).

This type of at-home perimenopause test can track real-time hormone trends, giving you a daily look at how your body is changing over time. Up-to-date, quantitative hormone information is incredibly useful as you progress through perimenopause, when hormone fluctuation is the name of the game. Tracking your hormone changes can help you identify if you are still ovulating and how your cycle is changing over time.

Why should I track my hormones using an at-home perimenopause test?

There are lots of reasons to track your hormones at any and every point in your life. It’s always useful to understand what’s happening in your body so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

During stages like perimenopause, when your body is going through major changes, access to data-driven hormone information can be even more important.

Beyond general wellness and knowledge, here are just a few scenarios where it may be particularly useful to use at-home perimenopause testing to track your hormones.

You suspect you’ve started perimenopause

If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms that you suspect may be related to perimenopause, you may want to consider tracking your hormones.

At-home testing like the Oova at-home perimenopause test kit is a non-invasive, convenient, and reliable way to track your daily hormone levels and see whether your perimenopause hunch is correct. 

Regular testing can also help you understand the link between your symptoms, your perimenopause hormone changes, and the different stages of your cycle. By noting which symptoms are associated with what, you may be more prepared to deal with those symptoms as they occur.

You might already feel in your bones that you’re transitioning towards menopause. At-home perimenopause tests can give you the validation that: no, you’re not exaggerating; yes, you definitely are changing; and yes, it’s all normal. 

Plus, arming yourself with this information may help you start getting the response you need and want from your doctors. 

You’re trying to conceive

Can you get pregnant during perimenopause? Yes. This is because you’re still ovulating, albeit irregularly, meaning your body is still releasing eggs that can be fertilized. 

If you’re trying to conceive, tracking your hormones is key to knowing when ovulation happens. By identifying ovulation and your fertile window using at-home perimenopause testing, you can time sex in order to optimize your chances of getting pregnant during perimenopause.

Alternately, if you don’t want to get pregnant, your at-home perimenopause test kit can help you figure out when to use protection or avoid sex.

>>MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Perimenopause Ovulation (and How to Track It)

You’re considering or are already undergoing perimenopause treatment

If you’re experiencing difficult perimenopause symptoms, you’re not alone—nearly 90% of women seek out professional advice on how to cope with these symptoms. Having insights into your hormones and how they’re linked to your symptoms can make it easier to figure out the best relief for you.

When you use at-home perimenopause hormone tests to figure out if you’ve started perimenopause, you can also use that same information to determine with your doctor whether to try perimenopause treatments, particularly if you have uncomfortable or troubling symptoms.

Perimenopause treatment options include hormone replacement therapies (HRTs), various vitamins and supplements, and lifestyle changes.

If and when you start treatment, or if you’re already undergoing treatment, you can continue to track your hormones to see how your body is responding.

What about lab testing for perimenopause?

Lab testing may be necessary if you and your doctor need to test additional hormones, or if you need to test a wider window of measurement than the hormone range captured by at-home tests.

In this case, it’s also entirely possible—and can be quite useful—to use a combination of at-home and lab testing. 

You can track daily hormone levels with at-home perimenopause tests to have a more detailed, long-term view of your hormone trends over time. Then, you can supplement this day-to-day information with lab tests to look at other hormones or wider ranges.

Should I use an at-home perimenopause test? The bottom line

At-home perimenopause tests can be a convenient and useful way to see whether you’ve started perimenopause, and to get insight into your body and your unique perimenopause journey.

At-home perimenopause tests are also key for optimizing your chances of conceiving during perimenopause.

If you’re struggling with uncomfortable symptoms, consider talking to your doctor about which perimenopause treatment options may be right for you.

By using at-home perimenopause tests to track your hormones, you’ll gain a better understanding of what’s happening in your body. When you’re armed with more detailed knowledge, you can make more informed choices about what’s best for you and your health.

About the author

Clara Siegmund
Clara Siegmund is a writer, editor, and translator (French to English) from Brooklyn, New York. She has a BA in English and French Studies from Wesleyan University and an MA in Translation from the Sorbonne. She is passionate about literature, reproductive justice, and using language to make information accessible.‍

Sources

https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I take progesterone if I'm breastfeeding?
Yes, progesterone is generally safe while breastfeeding and doesn't significantly affect milk supply. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone supplementation while nursing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Is it safe to take progesterone throughout pregnancy?
Yes, when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy is safe and can reduce miscarriage risk in women with low progesterone or a history of pregnancy loss. Most providers continue supplementation through the first trimester (weeks 10-12) when the placenta takes over.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can progesterone supplementation cause weight gain?
Progesterone can cause temporary water retention and bloating, which may show up as a few pounds on the scale, but it doesn't cause true fat weight gain. Most women don't experience significant weight changes from progesterone supplementation.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I switch from pills to suppositories or vice versa?
Yes, but only under your doctor's guidance. The dosing and timing may need adjustment when switching between forms since they're absorbed differently. Never switch on your own, especially if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Will progesterone supplementation delay my period?
Yes, progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact, so if you're not pregnant and continue taking progesterone, your period will be delayed. Once you stop taking it, your period should start within 2-10 days. If you are pregnant, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and you won't get a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Should I take progesterone pills orally or vaginally?
For fertility and pregnancy support, vaginal progesterone is usually preferred because it delivers higher concentrations directly to the uterus. For perimenopause or general hormone balance, oral progesterone often works well and is more convenient. Your doctor will recommend the best route based on your specific needs.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
When should I start taking progesterone after ovulation?
Typically, progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support starts 2-3 days after ovulation (confirmed by LH surge or temperature rise). Your doctor will give you specific timing based on your protocol. Some women start immediately after a positive ovulation test.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
What's better: progesterone cream or pills?
Pills (oral micronized progesterone) are generally more effective and reliable than creams because absorption from creams is inconsistent. For medical conditions like fertility issues, low progesterone, or HRT, prescription pills or suppositories are strongly recommended over over-the-counter creams.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
How can I tell if I have low or high progesterone?
The only definitive way to know is through hormone testing via blood tests or at-home urine tests that measure progesterone metabolites. However, symptom patterns can provide clues: anxiety and irregular periods suggest low progesterone, while bloating and extreme fatigue suggest high progesterone.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
When during my cycle should I test progesterone levels?
Test progesterone levels during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation or around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. This is when progesterone should be at its peak, making it easier to identify if levels are too low or too high.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the main differences between low and high progesterone symptoms?
Low progesterone typically causes irregular or heavy periods, anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues. High progesterone causes bloating, fatigue, intense breast tenderness, and depression-like mood changes. Low progesterone symptoms persist throughout your cycle, while high progesterone symptoms are most intense during the luteal phase.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
Can you have symptoms of both low and high progesterone?
Some symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes can occur with both low and high progesterone, making it confusing. However, the timing, intensity, and accompanying symptoms differ. Hormone testing is the best way to determine which imbalance you're experiencing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can stress affect 10 DPO symptoms?
Yes, stress can worsen or mimic 10 DPO symptoms. Stress increases cortisol, which can cause cramping, fatigue, and mood changes similar to both PMS and early pregnancy. During the two-week wait, try stress-reduction techniques like gentle exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is it better to test at 10 DPO or wait?
It's better to wait until 12–14 DPO for more accurate results. Testing at 10 DPO often leads to false negatives because hCG levels may still be too low. If you absolutely can't wait, use a sensitive early detection test with first morning urine, and be prepared to retest in 2–3 days if negative.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does implantation bleeding look like at 10 DPO?
Implantation bleeding at 10 DPO is typically light pink or brown, much lighter than a period, and lasts 1–2 days. It's often just spotting when you wipe or a few drops on a panty liner. However, only 15–20% of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding—most don't have any bleeding at all.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Why am I cramping at 10 DPO?
Cramping at 10 DPO can be caused by elevated progesterone (whether you're pregnant or not), implantation (if you're pregnant), or premenstrual cramping. Unfortunately, cramping alone can't tell you if you're pregnant since progesterone causes similar symptoms in both scenarios.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What are the chances of a BFP at 10 DPO?
If you're pregnant, you have about a 50–60% chance of getting a positive test at 10 DPO. This means there's a 40–50% chance of a false negative even if you conceived. Chances improve significantly by 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What DPO is most accurate for pregnancy testing?
14 DPO (the day of your missed period) is the most accurate time to test, with 99% accuracy. 12 DPO offers 80–90% accuracy. 10 DPO has only 50–60% accuracy. For best results, wait as long as you can—ideally until 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is 10 DPO too early to test?
10 DPO is considered early for pregnancy testing. While some women get positives at 10 DPO, accuracy is only 50–60% if you're pregnant. For best results, wait until 12 DPO (80–90% accuracy) or 14 DPO/missed period (99% accuracy).
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you have implantation at 10 DPO?
Yes, implantation can still occur at 10 DPO, though 84% of women have already implanted by this point. Late implantation at 10–12 DPO is normal. If implantation happens at 10 DPO, you won't get a positive pregnancy test for another 2–3 days.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does a negative test at 10 DPO mean?
A negative test at 10 DPO does not mean you're not pregnant. It's very common to get negatives at 10 DPO even if you conceived. Your hCG levels may still be too low, or implantation may have occurred later. Wait until 12–14 DPO to retest for more accurate results.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 10 DPO?
Yes, but only about 50–60% of pregnant women will get a positive at 10 DPO. The other 40–50% have hCG levels that are still too low to detect. If you test negative at 10 DPO, wait 2–3 days and test again.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Can high progesterone cause weight gain?
Yes, elevated progesterone can cause temporary weight gain through water retention and bloating. This is a normal part of the luteal phase and early pregnancy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Does stress affect estrogen levels?
Yes, chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress estrogen production and disrupt hormonal balance. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, adequate sleep, and self-care practices helps maintain optimal estrogen levels.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
When should I consider medical treatment for low estrogen?
Consider medical intervention if natural methods don't improve symptoms after 3 months, if symptoms severely impact quality of life, if you're experiencing early menopause (before 40), or if you have fertility concerns. Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate in these cases.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What are the signs that my estrogen is increasing?
Signs of rising estrogen include more regular menstrual cycles, reduced hot flashes, improved vaginal lubrication, better mood stability, increased energy, and improved skin elasticity. You may also notice reduced symptoms that originally indicated low estrogen.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Can exercise increase estrogen levels?
Yes, moderate exercise stimulates estrogen release and helps maintain hormonal balance. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate cardio weekly plus strength training twice per week. However, excessive exercise can actually lower estrogen, so balance is key.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
How long does it take to increase estrogen naturally?
With consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, you may notice improvements in symptoms within 4-8 weeks. However, significant hormonal changes typically take 2-3 months. Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you monitor progress.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What foods increase estrogen levels naturally?
Foods high in phytoestrogens can help increase estrogen naturally. The best options include flax seeds (high in lignans), soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), lentils, chickpeas, whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), and garlic. These plant compounds mimic estrogen's effects in the body.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What helps relieve hot flashes quickly?
Cool environments, layered clothing, herbal teas, and medical treatments like gabapentin or HRT may help—depending on severity. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol can also provide relief.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Are there tests to confirm perimenopause?
Yes. Tests measuring estradiol, LH, and FSH levels can indicate hormonal shifts—but diagnosis is often symptom-based since hormone levels fluctuate widely during perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
How do I know it's perimenopause and not something else?
A doctor may recommend hormone testing (like LH, E3G, and PdG) and track symptom timing. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms combined with age and menstrual pattern changes.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What's the earliest age perimenopause can start?
Some women begin experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-30s, though perimenopause typically starts between ages 38-45.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Does perimenopause affect mental clarity?
Yes. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating are common during hormone fluctuations in perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What happens after the last sign of perimenopause?
After your final period, you enter postmenopause. You'll need 12 consecutive months without a period to confirm menopause. Many symptoms gradually improve, though some like vaginal dryness may persist without treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
When do perimenopause symptoms finally stop?
Some symptoms like brain fog improve after menopause, while others like hot flashes may continue for up to 10 years post-menopause. Vaginal symptoms often persist or worsen without treatment. Each person's timeline is different.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Is high progesterone a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, high progesterone is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise significantly after conception to support the developing embryo and reach their peak during the third trimester.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Can you still get pregnant in late perimenopause?
Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause as long as you're having periods, even if they're infrequent. Continue using birth control until you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period and have officially reached menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Do symptoms get worse before perimenopause ends?
Yes, most perimenopause symptoms intensify in the final 1-2 years before menopause. Hot flashes peak around your final period, vaginal symptoms worsen, and mood changes increase. However, brain fog typically improves in late perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
How long does late perimenopause last?
Late perimenopause typically lasts 1-3 years before your final period. However, the exact duration varies significantly from person to person. You've reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the symptoms of high progesterone?
High progesterone symptoms include fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, anxiety, depression, headaches, and food cravings. During pregnancy, you may also experience increased nipple sensitivity and muscle aches.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What are the first signs that perimenopause is ending?
The earliest signs include longer gaps between periods (60+ days), intensifying hot flashes that peak around your final period, and worsening vaginal dryness. These symptoms typically increase in late perimenopause before you reach official menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
When should I be concerned about high progesterone?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience high progesterone symptoms outside your luteal phase when not pregnant, or if symptoms include severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or rapid weight gain while on hormone therapy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
How do you test progesterone levels?
Progesterone can be measured through blood tests at your doctor's office or at-home urine tests that measure PdG (a progesterone metabolite). Testing is typically done during the luteal phase, about 7 days after ovulation.

About the Oova Blog:
‍Our content is developed with a commitment to high editorial standards and reliability. We prioritize referencing reputable sources and sharing where our insights come from. The Oova Blog is intended for informational purposes only and is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.

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