How to Tell the Difference Between Menopause & Pregnancy

Menopause is a natural occurrence in the life of all women. Defined as the end of fertility, menopause is considered to have occurred once 12 consecutive months have passed since a woman's last menstrual period. The onset of menopause is referred to as perimenopause. This stage of life can last from two to eight years. Early symptoms of perimenopause include irregular or missed periods, which may be confused as symptoms of pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• Home pregnancy test

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether pregnancy is a possibility. Women who have not been sexually active but have missed a period may be experiencing the onset of perimenopause. Women who have been sexually active and have missed a period may be pregnant, even if they are using birth control, because no method of birth control is 100 percent effective.

• 2

  Consider additional symptoms of pregnancy. Although a missed period is typically the first obvious symptom of pregnancy, there are numerous other symptoms that many but not all women experience. Those may include tender or swollen breasts, sudden fatigue, nausea, abdominal bloating, frequent need to urinate and an increased sensitivity to odors.

• 3

  Consider symptoms of menopause. Although missed or irregular periods may be the first symptom of the onset of perimenopause there are other symptoms that many but not all women experience, including hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood swings, vaginal dryness and night sweats.

• 4

  Take a home pregnancy test. Perimenopause typically occurs after the age of 45 but can occur as early as the mid-30s. Older women who have been sexually active and have missed a period should not assume they are entering menopause. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, home pregnancy tests are quite accurate when used as directed.

• 5

  See your doctor for an examination. Although home pregnancy tests are quite accurate when used as directed, a positive or negative result can be confirmed with greater accuracy by your doctor. Early care in the event of a pregnancy is important. Early determination that a pregnancy has not occurred will allow the doctor to determine if you are entering menopause or have another medical condition.