Menopause

Menopause

Noun · /ˈmɛn.ə.pɔːz/

Definition

The natural cessation of menstruation that typically occurs in women in their late forties to early fifties, marking the end of reproductive capacity; a biological process accompanied by hormonal changes (declining oestrogen) that can cause symptoms including hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and vaginal dryness; perimenopause is the transitional period preceding it.

Origin

From Modern Latin menopausis, coined in the early 19th century from Greek mēn (month) + pausis (cessation, pause, from pauein, to stop). The term was introduced into medical language to describe the end of menstrual cycles. Menopause is the point of the final menstrual period — diagnosed retrospectively after 12 months without menstruation.