The STRAW+10 staging system for reproductive aging classifies the menopausal transition. Stage -2 (early menopausal transition) is characterized by which specific criterion?

• A Irregular cycles with intermenstrual interval varying by ≥ 7 days compared to a woman's normal ✓
• B Intermenstrual intervals varying by > 7 days from the previous cycle length with elevated early follicular FSH > 25 IU/L
• C Skip cycles — 60 or more days of amenorrhea in the prior year
• D Persistent amenorrhea ≥ 12 months

Explanation

STRAW+10 (Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop, 2012) defines: Stage -2 (early menopausal transition) = persistent intermenstrual interval variability of ≥ 7 days in consecutive cycles; Stage -1 (late menopausal transition) = ≥ 2 skipped cycles (60 consecutive days of amenorrhea); Stage +1a = first 12 months after FMP (final menstrual period); Stage +1b = second year post-FMP; Stage +2 = late postmenopause (remainder of life). FSH > 25 IU/L characterizes the early menopausal transition in terms of hormonal criteria, but the clinical criterion for Stage -2 is the ≥ 7-day variability in cycle length, distinguishing it from normal reproductive variation.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.