Are you seeing a doctor that specializes in menopause? It sounds like you need advice from a medical practitioner that specializes in this. I am going to be 50 in two months, and was seeing a midwife until I was switched to an OB/GYN with more knowledge in this area. I was told there is so much being learned about peri/menopause that a doctor needs to specialize.
I have had very mild symptoms (a few night sweats, warm flashes) for less than a year now. I am on BC pills yet, and have been told that they will "moderate" possible symptoms, but of course, they can cause others. I exercise strenously 5 or 6 times/week, my diet could always use improvement.
I was told that I would need to be off the pill for at least six months before they could do the blood test. And that menopause is not finished until you've been without a period for 12 months in a row. I have friends that are 58 and this is still not finished for them.