A recent research showed a way to predict probable time when women will hit the menopause. Research team led by scientists from Michigan University developed a blood test that measures changes in hormones in the blood, which fluctuate as a woman goes through her reproductive lifespan.

Researchers claim that changes in the chemicals anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and inhibin B can predict how fast women are progressing through the different elements of their reproductive life.

Researchers developed this test after analyzing the data collected from 629 women over 14 years. The study showed that AMH fell to a very low or non-measurable level five years prior to the final menstrual period. And, at this stage, a woman probably has so few eggs that her fertility becomes increasingly questionable.

Lead researchers, Professor Maryfran Sowers, from the University of Michigan, said: "Now we are beginning to say, 'If you have a specific FSH level combined with your age, this is the likelihood that you are in this reproductive stage."

Researchers claim that this test will help women to better plan pregnancies in later life.

Image Source: myherbalwellbeing.com