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Definition: The period of time that marks the end of childbearing for women with the cessation of menstrual activity. It can occur naturally anywhere between the age of 35 and 58. Menstrual periods can stop suddenly, there may be a decreasing of menstrual flow each month or the period of time between each cycle may lengthen until it ceases completely.

Menopause can also be a result of surgery that removes the ovaries, radiation treatment for cancer or some chemotherapy drugs.

Symptoms of menopause can include, hot flashes, mood swings and sleeping problems. If symptoms are severe a physician may prescribe hormone therapy to ease these symptoms.

Many people consider menopause a sign of aging for women. Post menopausal women are at higher risk for heart disease and osteoporosis and need to be alert to signs and symptoms of these diseases.

SOURCES: National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health, May 2005.

Pronunciation: men'o-pawz

Also Known As: change of life;climacteric

Common Misspellings: menapause

Examples: Jean no longer had to worry about pregnancy after menopause.