Understanding Menopause: When Is It Officially Diagnosed?

Menopause is defined retrospectively as the permanent cessation of menstruation due to loss of ovarian follicular activity.

Diagnostic Criteria

• Clinical: 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea (no periods) in a woman ≥45 years, without other pathology (pregnancy, hormonal contraception, thyroid disorder, hyperprolactinemia, PCOS).
• Laboratory (supportive, not required for diagnosis in typical age):
  • FSH > 30–40 IU/L (elevated, indicating ovarian failure).
  • Estradiol < 20–30 pg/mL (low).
  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Very low/undetectable.

Perimenopause

The transition phase (2–8 years before final period) with irregular cycles, vasomotor symptoms, sleep/mood changes. FSH fluctuates; not diagnostic alone.

Early / Premature Menopause

Before age 45 (early) or 40 (premature/primary ovarian insufficiency). Requires hormone therapy until average age (51) for bone/cardiovascular/brain protection unless contraindicated.