Abstract

Around the time of the menopause women often wish to know when they may safely stop contraception without risking pregnancy. Advice relies heavily on knowing whether the woman has had her final menstrual period, but this is difficult as it can only be diagnosed in retrospect. Diagnosis can be even more difficult in a woman taking oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), both of which may obscure normal menopausal signs and symptoms. This article outlines how the menopause may be diagnosed and contraceptive needs assessed.