Researchers just identified blood markers that could change the game for perimenopause

By Meghan McCallum | Fact-checked by Barbara Bekiesz

Published April 16, 2025

Key Takeaways

Industry Buzz

“If these levels prove to be a consistent marker, it could help identify perimenopause earlier—a game changer for proactive health decisions. Perimenopause is real, and science is finally catching up.” – Mary Claire Haver, MD

Emerging research indicates that blood markers—specifically small, dense, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C)—could change the game for predicting perimenopause.

A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology suggests that “sdLDL-C is a promising risk biomarker for menopausal transition.” ^[]

Perimenopause and menopause have been gaining increased attention in recent years, and for good reason.

“When greater than 50% of the population experiences menopause, and more than 80% experience symptoms, it’s clear there is a need,” says Jewel Kling, MD, professor of medicine and chair of Women’s Health Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

With blood markers potentially providing insights into an individual’s menopause transition, providers can be in a much better position to support and educate them.

Here's how predicting perimenopause could benefit patients as they approach this important life transition.

Proactive decisions

Information to potentially predict perimenopause could help providers and patients work together earlier to anticipate and address changes.

In an Instagram video, board-certified OB/GYN Mary Claire Haver, MD, explained, “If these levels prove to be a consistent marker, it could help identify perimenopause earlier—a game changer for proactive health decisions. Perimenopause is real, and science is finally catching up.” ^[]

This information could also prove helpful for patients at risk for early menopause, notes Laura Bozzuto, MD, an OB/GYN at UW Health and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

“We generally define that as people less than age 45 and particularly less than age 40,” Dr. Bozzuto says. Predicting early menopause could help these younger patients navigate fertility decisions.

Dr. Bozzuto also notes that “people who go through menopause before age 45 also have increased risks of things like heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis—so we could also intervene sooner if we knew that was going to occur.”

For those experiencing menopause over 45, "we’re focused on symptom management, such as controlling hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and mood changes,” Dr. Bozzuto says.

With sooner information about menopause, a patient could at least mentally prepare for these changes and how to address them, she says.

Educate and empower patients

With a bigger spotlight on menopause, experts note, business opportunities have emerged for brands to market products such as blood tests and supplements to support patients approaching or experiencing menopause.

“Unfortunately, with the press that menopause has been getting, there also are more products that may not have the science backing them, but people certainly are willing to sell direct to patients,” Dr. Bozzuto explains.

Dr. Bozzuto educates her patients to be wary of at-home tests purchased online. “I think they’re tempting in a lot of ways, but unfortunately the data isn't there to really support their use or guidance,” she says.

“Women are hearing a lot about menopause on social media,” notes Jenna Sarvaideo, DO, an endocrinologist at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin. She urges providers to support these patients with resources and referrals from trusted sources such as The Menopause Society.