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Menopause in Iran and the World: Diagnostic Challenges, Systemic Disparities, and Clinical-Laboratory Solutions
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Hamid Choobineh1   , Ziba Majidi1 , Nahid Aynollahi1 , Horan Firouzian1 , Nasibeh Soltani1 |
| 1- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (140 Views) |
Menopause, particularly in its abnormal forms such as premature menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), represents a multidimensional challenge in women’s health. Beyond marking the end of fertility, it increases the risk of physical complications (e.g., osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases), psychological issues (such as depression and anxiety), and social consequences. In recent years, a declining trend in the age of menopause onset in developing countries—including Iran—has raised serious public health concerns. This review article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of diagnostic and management approaches to menopause in Iran versus developed countries. Findings indicate that while Western nations follow evidence-based guidelines (e.g., NICE and ESHRE/IMS), stratifying diagnosis by age and utilizing hormonal tests in a targeted manner, Iran faces significant diagnostic inconsistencies and delays in preventive interventions due to the absence of a comprehensive national guideline, lack of standardization in laboratory methodologies, and overreliance on isolated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements. Additional structural barriers include limited access to advanced assays (such as LC-MS/MS and reliable anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH] testing), scarcity of specialized menopause clinics, and the absence of data-driven health information systems. To bridge these gaps, we propose the development of an evidence-based national guideline, implementation of updated clinical education programs, establishment of a nationwide network of specialized menopause clinics, and expansion of digital health infrastructures. These measures could not only enhance the quality of care for women but also substantially reduce the long-term burden of menopause-related complications in the Iranian population.
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| Keywords: Menopause, Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, Laboratory Diagnosis, FSH, AMH, Hormone Therapy, Iranian Health System |
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Full-Text [PDF 852 kb]
(84 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
بیوشیمی
Received: 2026/04/13 | Accepted: 2026/04/13 | Published: 2026/04/13
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