What defines late menopause transition (stage -1)?

The definition of late menopause transition, or stage -1, is characterized by 60 or more consecutive days of amenorrhea. This phase represents a significant shift in menstrual patterns, indicating that menstruation is becoming less frequent and that the body is transitioning closer to menopause. During this stage, the regular menstrual cycles that women typically experience start to become irregular, and the absence of menstruation for two months signifies a move toward the end of reproductive years.

The other options describe various aspects of health or menstrual cycle changes but do not accurately define the late menopause transition. For instance, significant weight gain or persistent differences in menstrual cycle length may occur during the menopausal transition or due to other factors, but they are not the defining criteria for late menopause transition. Similarly, an increase in menstrual frequency is not characteristic of this stage, as individuals typically experience irregularity and eventual cessation of menstruation rather than increased frequency. Thus, the absence of menstruation for 60 days is the clear marker of this transition stage, making it the correct answer.