Menopause

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.