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

She also suggested other sources of support including Guernsey Mind, the Menopause Discussion Group and the British Menopause Society.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Menopause typically occurs around age 51 in the U.S., while perimenopause can start in a woman’s 30s or 40s.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 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

When weighing potential benefits, it’s important to determine whether the symptoms are related to menopause, says Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the Menopause Society and director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

The author has added to this edition a section on "The Hygiene of Puberty," one on "Hemorrhage at the Menopause a Significant Symptom of Cancer," and one on "The Hygiene of the Menopause."

From The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; a study in hygiene by Galbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)