The permanent cessation of fertility and menstrual activity in women, usually between the ages of 40 and 58 but most often after age 45. Menopause typically occurs in three stages: perimenopause, the span of time preceding menopause when the menstrual cycle is irregular and menopausal symptoms (decreased fertility, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings) are often experienced; menopause, the point in time when a woman has experienced her last period which is generally established retrospectively when the individual has gone 12 consecutive months without a period; and postmenopause, the years following menopause after the ovaries have become inactive during which menopausal symptoms typically decrease.
No programs.