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    45 years and over
    • 11 Dec 2023
    • 1 Minute to read
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    45 years and over

    • Updated on 11 Dec 2023
    • 1 Minute to read
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    Article summary

    The BMS says in women >45 years the diagnosis of menopause or perimenopause should be considered based on symptoms alone, without blood tests, unless there is uncertainty about the diagnosis.

    NICE says identify:

    • PERIMENOPAUSE if they have new onset vasomotor symptoms and any changes in their menstrual cycle.
    • MENOPAUSE if they have not had a period for at least 12 months and are not using hormonal contraception OR based on the symptoms they have, in those without a uterus.

    Although NICE says identify the perimenopause in women with vasomotor symptoms and a change in menstrual cycle it is important to be aware that 25% of women will not get vasomotor symptoms.

    Be aware that women from ethnic minority backgrounds may experience menopause at a younger age compared with women from White backgrounds.

    NOTE:
    • Diagnosis can be more difficult in women using hormone treatments or in women with a prior history of endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. These women will have altered or absent bleed patterns. For more information see flowchart in: The 2023 Practitioners Toolkit for Managing Menopause on Page 7.
    • If in doubt, refer to a menopause specialist.
    Further Information:
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