A 40-year-old woman using the progestogen-only pill (desogestrel) asks the GP how she will know when she has reached menopause and no longer needs con...

Question

A 40-year-old woman using the progestogen-only pill (desogestrel) asks the GP how she will know when she has reached menopause and no longer needs contraception. Her periods stopped 2 years ago since starting the POP. According to FSRH guidance, what is the most appropriate advice?

Accepted Answer

FSH levels can be checked while taking the desogestrel POP - two levels >=30 IU/L, 6 weeks apart, suggest menopause, but she should continue contraception for a further 1 year (if >=50) or 2 years (if

Answer

Check FSH levels while on the POP - if elevated on two occasions, she is menopausal

Answer

Stop the POP, wait for natural cycles, and then check FSH after 6 weeks

Answer

She should continue the POP until age 55 regardless

Answer

Menopause cannot be diagnosed while on any hormonal contraception

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): FSH Testing on Desogestrel POP

A 40-year-old woman using the progestogen-only pill (desogestrel) asks the GP how she will know when she has reached menopause and no longer needs contraception. Her periods stopped 2 years ago since starting the POP. According to FSRH guidance, what is the most appropriate advice?