gynecology and obstetrics
Menopause
Diagnosis of Menopause
Menstrual history Rarely follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels Perimenopause is likely in patients in their 40s who have symptoms and signs of perimenopause. However, pregnancy, Amenorrhea due to other etiologies, or abnormal uterine bleeding due to Timing of cessation of ovarian function is categorized based on age, as follows: Premature menopause: < 40 years old Early menopause: 40 to 45 years old Menopause (typical age range): > 45 years old Diagnosis of menopause is clinical; it is confirmed retroactively when a woman has had no menses for 12 months and there is no other suspected cause. Vulvovaginal atrophy on pelvic examination supports the diagnosis. FSH levels may be measured, but this test is rarely necessary except perhaps in women who have had a hysterectomy and in women who are younger than the usual age of menopause. A single measurement may not be informative, because levels fluctuate during the menopausal transition. Consistently elevated levels confirm menopause. 