menopause

menopause The time for a woman, usually in middle age, when menstrual periods end. Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Natural menopause occurs when the ovaries begin decreasing their production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, and the timing of menopause varies, with an average age of 51 in the Western world. Changes associated with approaching menopause may include night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fluctuations in sexual desire (libido), forgetfulness, trouble sleeping, and fatigue (probably due to the loss of sleep). Hormone therapy (HT) is sometimes prescribed to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Also known as change of life. See also estrogen replacement therapy; hormone replacement therapy; menopause transition; menopause, induced.