Menopause means the end of menstrual cycles, ie the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause can occur between the ages of 40 and 60, but also earlier as a result of surgery or illness.
The term menopause is often used to describe the entire period that precedes (premenopause) and that follows the cessation of menstrual bleeding (postmenopause).
The cause of menopause is the gradual cessation of ovarian function, with a complete cessation of the production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Processes and feelings that occur in women in pre-, peri-, and postmenopause are a consequence of the body’s adaptation to estrogen deficiency. One of the first symptoms is a change in the normal rhythm of menstrual cycles. The time between cycles decreases or lengthens, or there are occasional absences of menstrual cycles.
