Ovarian function, therapy-oriented definition of menopause and climacteric

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women's Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Inconsistent terminology for the cessation of menstruation hinders scientific progress and can lead to misdiagnosis.
• Existing definitions of menopause and climacteric lack clarity, impacting clinical study validity.
• The climacteric syndrome results from complex interactions of endocrine, sociocultural, and psychological factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the lack of uniform terminology in describing the female menopausal transition.
• To propose a new, therapy-oriented definition for the climacteric based on ovarian function.
• To differentiate natural menopause from atypical cases caused by surgery or chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on menopausal terminology and definitions.
• Analysis of endocrine and ovarian function in postmenopausal women.
• Development of a proposed definition differentiating natural and atypical climacteric experiences.

Main Results:

• Identified significant confusion and potential mismanagement due to non-uniform descriptive terms.
• Highlighted the distinction between natural menopause and menopause induced by ovariectomy or chemotherapy.
• Proposed that postmenopausal ovaries can be functionally active or inert, influencing the menopausal experience.

Conclusions:

• A standardized, ovarian function-based definition for the climacteric is needed.
• Atypical menopausal cases (surgical, chemotherapy-induced) require distinct classification.
• The proposed definition aims to improve research accuracy and therapeutic approaches for women experiencing menopause.