Patient's question:
I am 46 years old this year, and I haven't had my period for two months. I heard from others that some people start menopause in their 40s, but I haven't taken a pregnancy test either, so I don't know if I'm pregnant or if I'm experiencing menopause. It makes me quite worried. What should I do if I don't know if it's menopause or pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Your situation can be addressed by getting a blood HCG and progesterone test at the gynecology department. This will help confirm whether you are pregnant. If pregnancy is ruled out, you can then have a sex hormone panel test and a color Doppler ultrasound to examine the condition of the endometrium. After a definitive diagnosis is made, medication and dietary adjustments should be guided by a doctor to restore menstruation completely. At 46, menopause occurring earlier is not uncommon, so it is essential to have a check-up.