According to standard definitions used in Indian postgraduate examinations, natural menopause is diagnosed retrospectively after how many consecutive months of amenorrhoea, with no other pathological cause?
- A 3 months
- B 6 months
- C 12 months ✓
- D 24 months
Correct answer: C. 12 months
Explanation
Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from loss of ovarian follicular activity, and it can only be confirmed retrospectively after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhoea. Six months may suggest perimenopause but is insufficient for diagnosis, and 24 months is not part of any standard definition. The average age of natural menopause is about 50 years worldwide, with Indian studies reporting a slightly lower mean around 46 to 47 years.
Reference: Williams Gynecology, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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