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

• menopausal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of menopause

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

Example Sentences

“When I first noticed signs I was starting menopause, it fell to me to raise the topic with my doctor and push for options to manage my symptoms,” she writes.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

The various medical terms used over the course of women’s reproductive lives haven’t done much to make menopause sound less depressing.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

The women speaking up for a new approach to menopause aren’t blowing smoke.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

Meanwhile, global policy initiatives on aging like the United Nations’ Decade of Healthy Ageing overlook menopause entirely.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

Esteban said that it was menopause and that there was nothing anyone could do.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende