menopause

American  

[men-uh-pawz] / ˈmɛn əˌpɔz /

noun

Physiology.

1. the period of permanent cessation of menstruation, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.

2. male menopause.

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menopause British  

/ ˈmɛnəʊˌpɔːz /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: change of life.  the period during which a woman's menstrual cycle ceases, normally occurring at an age of 45 to 50

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menopause Scientific  

/ mĕn′ə-pôz′ /

1. The time at which menstruation ceases, occurring usually between 45 and 55 years of age in humans.

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menopause Cultural  

1. The period in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles stop. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• menopausal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of menopause

From the French word ménopause, dating back to 1870–75. See meno-, pause

Example Sentences

She is a Menopause Society certified practitioner, the author of “Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy,” and the host of the podcast, The Second Opinion with Dr. Sharon.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Menopause is often associated with increased weight gain and a higher risk of developing overweight and obesity.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Menopause “doctor-influencers” like Dr. Mary Claire Haver have attracted cult-like followings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

While Rodgers is right, insurance coverage and doctor know-how remain problems for women seeking care — ones that the Menopause Care Equity Act hoped to address.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025

The Menopause, or "Change of Life."—This is a cessation of menstruation.

From Treatise on the Diseases of Women by Pinkham, Lydia Estes