Diagnosis
4
Table 1. Definitions of Spectrum of Menopause
Term Definition
Menopause Clinical status aer the final menstrual period, diagnosed
retrospectively aer cessation of menses for 12 mo in a
previously cycling woman and reflecting complete or nearly
complete permanent cessation of ovarian function and
fertility.
Spontaneous menopause Cessation of menses that occurs at an average age of 51 y in
the absence of surgery or medication.
Menopausal transition
(or perimenopause)
An interval preceding the menopause characterized by
variations in menstrual cycle length and bleeding pattern,
mood shis, vasomotor and vaginal symptoms and with
rising FSH levels and falling anti-Mullerian hormone and
inhibin B levels, which starts during the late reproductive
stage and progresses during the menopause transition.
Climacteric e phase in the aging of women marking the transition
from the reproductive phase to the nonreproductive state.
is phase incorporates the perimenopause by extending for
a longer variable period before and aer the perimenopause.
Climacteric syndrome When the climacteric is associated with symptomatolog y.
Menopause aer
hysterectomy without
oophorectomy
Spontaneous cessation of ovarian function without the
clinical signal of cessation of menses.
Induced menopause Cessation of ovarian function induced by chemotherapy,
radiotherapy, or bilateral oophorectomy.
Early menopause Cessation of ovarian function occurring between ages 40
and 45 in the absence of other etiologies for secondary
amenorrhea (pregnancy, hyperprolactinemia, and thyroid
disorders).
Primary ovarian
insufficiency (POI)
Loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 y with waxing
and waning course and potential resumption of menses,
conception, and pregnancy. e prevalence of POI is
approximately 1% and is differentiated into idiopathic,
autoimmune (associated with polyglandular autoimmune
syndromes), metabolic disorders, and genetic abnormalities
(including fragile x premutation).
