What is the best way to diagnose menopause?

Recommendations from others

The American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not address the diagnosis of menopause in any recommendations.

The North American Menopause Society states that estradiol and FSH are of limited value in confirming perimenopause due to extreme monthly fluctuations. They say perimenopausal women are not protected from unplanned pregnancy until amenorrhea of at least 1 year’s duration or consistently elevated FSH levels (>30 IU/L) are demonstrated. Confirmation of perimenopause relies on medical history and symptoms.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends a detailed history, exam, and measurement of FSH. The diagnosis of menopause is confirmed by FSH levels >40 IU/L; however, they note in perimenopause, FSH elevation is intermittent and not reliable for establishing the onset of menopause.