There is no biological test to either confirm or deny your nagging suspicion. The most clear indicator is for women over 50. One year since your last period? You are probably in menopause.
Menopause, and the almost decade leading up to it (perimenopause) have a bad rap. Yes, the physical and emotional experiences that are triggered by the decline in fertility and sex hormones is no walk in the park. No doubt, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, pain, sleeplessness and dryness impact quality of life and vitality.
I remember watching Oprah turn 50 on television and hearing her describe a miraculous, liberating shift in mindset. No longer driven by what the world thought, Oprah, as a woman in her 50s could finally, authentically be herself without self-doubt.