NAMS CERTIFICATION EXAM: MENOPAUSE
SOCIETY CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER
(MSCP), 2025/2026 WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
Early Menopause
FMP before age 45 >>> when a woman's menstrual periods stop before
the age of 45. Menopause before age 40 is considered premature
menopause (or primary ovarian insufficiency) and is a distinct condition,
though both involve a premature end to the reproductive years. <<>>
Causes of early menopause
Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities:
Autoimmune diseases:
Cancer treatments:
Surgery:
Lifestyle factors:
Family history:
Late Menopause
FMP after age 54 >>> when a woman's final menstrual period occurs
after the age of 55. While the average age for menopause is around 51,
the timing can vary widely among individuals due to a combination of
genetic, lifestyle, and hormonal factors <<>> causes late menopause?
Genetics:
Higher body mass index (BMI):
Reproductive history:
,Hormone levels:
Thyroid disorders:
Bilateral oophorectomy prior to age 45 increases risks for:
- All cause mortality
- Coronary heart disease
- CVD
- Menopause symptoms
- Worsening mood symptoms
- Higher incidence of Parkinson Disease
- Associated with cognitive impairment
Early Menopause Transition (-2)
7 or more days persistent difference in cycle length from previous normal
cycle
- Results of increased follicular aging and depletion
- Inhibin B decreases
- FSH increases (Variable)
LOOP Cycles
Explains elevation of Estradiol in perimenopause
- Rising FSH levels recruit 2nd follicle during luteal phase which leads to
overproduction of Estradiol
- This causes menstrual changes in future cycles
Decreased AMH in Early Menopause Transition
More frequent anovulatory cycles
, Decreased Inhibin B in Early Menopause Transition
- Skipped menstrual cycles
- Mastalgia
- Migraine
- Menorrhagia (with LOOP cycles)
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
Late Menopause Transition (-1)
60 or more days of amenorrhea for women aged 45 years or older
- Women 40-44 years with recurrent episodes of amenorrhea of 60 day for
longer within a year improves prediction of entry into late menopause
transition
Late Menopause Transition (-1) Duration
1-3 years
Late Menopause Transition (-1) Symptoms
VMS likely
STRAW Stage where FSH > 25
Late Menopause Transition (-1)
Elevated FSH symptoms in Late Menopause Transition
- VMS
SOCIETY CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER
(MSCP), 2025/2026 WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
Early Menopause
FMP before age 45 >>> when a woman's menstrual periods stop before
the age of 45. Menopause before age 40 is considered premature
menopause (or primary ovarian insufficiency) and is a distinct condition,
though both involve a premature end to the reproductive years. <<>>
Causes of early menopause
Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities:
Autoimmune diseases:
Cancer treatments:
Surgery:
Lifestyle factors:
Family history:
Late Menopause
FMP after age 54 >>> when a woman's final menstrual period occurs
after the age of 55. While the average age for menopause is around 51,
the timing can vary widely among individuals due to a combination of
genetic, lifestyle, and hormonal factors <<>> causes late menopause?
Genetics:
Higher body mass index (BMI):
Reproductive history:
,Hormone levels:
Thyroid disorders:
Bilateral oophorectomy prior to age 45 increases risks for:
- All cause mortality
- Coronary heart disease
- CVD
- Menopause symptoms
- Worsening mood symptoms
- Higher incidence of Parkinson Disease
- Associated with cognitive impairment
Early Menopause Transition (-2)
7 or more days persistent difference in cycle length from previous normal
cycle
- Results of increased follicular aging and depletion
- Inhibin B decreases
- FSH increases (Variable)
LOOP Cycles
Explains elevation of Estradiol in perimenopause
- Rising FSH levels recruit 2nd follicle during luteal phase which leads to
overproduction of Estradiol
- This causes menstrual changes in future cycles
Decreased AMH in Early Menopause Transition
More frequent anovulatory cycles
, Decreased Inhibin B in Early Menopause Transition
- Skipped menstrual cycles
- Mastalgia
- Migraine
- Menorrhagia (with LOOP cycles)
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
Late Menopause Transition (-1)
60 or more days of amenorrhea for women aged 45 years or older
- Women 40-44 years with recurrent episodes of amenorrhea of 60 day for
longer within a year improves prediction of entry into late menopause
transition
Late Menopause Transition (-1) Duration
1-3 years
Late Menopause Transition (-1) Symptoms
VMS likely
STRAW Stage where FSH > 25
Late Menopause Transition (-1)
Elevated FSH symptoms in Late Menopause Transition
- VMS
