What does menopause mean?
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation, conventionally diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It usually occurs naturally between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can occur earlier or be induced medically by surgery, cancer treatment, or other interventions that stop ovarian function. Menopause is not simply a single event: it is commonly used for the broader transition in which changing hormone levels may produce symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbance, changes in mood, and alterations in the menstrual cycle before periods stop permanently. The term is also used for medically induced menopause, where the reproductive changes are more sudden and predictable. Although “change of life” and “the change” remain familiar informal alternatives, “menopause” is the standard medical and general term. Its history reflects the central biological change: the monthly menstrual cycle gives way to a new phase of life.
nounThe natural or medically induced cessation of menstrual periods, usually defined as no menstruation for 12 consecutive months. In natural menopause, it typically occurs around the age of 45–55; induced menopause can occur earlier following removal of the ovaries or other medical interventions.
- The permanent cessation of menstruation that occurs when the ovaries no longer release eggs and hormone production changes substantially.
- A state or condition resembling natural menopause, sometimes used for the transition surrounding it.
- Medically induced menopause resulting from surgery, cancer treatment, or other interventions that impair ovarian function.
"She sought advice from her doctor because hot flashes and disrupted sleep were affecting her life during menopause."
"The clinic provides specialist support for people experiencing difficult menopausal symptoms."
"Her menopause was induced when both ovaries were removed during surgery."
"Doctors confirmed that she had reached menopause after twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period."
Usually used as an uncountable singular concept; the plural is rare.
"The book discusses early and medically induced menopauses."
The word literally means “pause of the month,” a fitting name for the permanent end of menstruation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does menopause come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from New Latin, combining Greek menos, meaning “month,” and pausis, a stopping or pause. The underlying idea is therefore a “pause of the month,” referring to the ending of the menstrual cycle. It is related to Latin mensis, “month,” which also underlies words such as menstrual, menses, menstruate, and monthly.
Related word forms
How menopause is actually used
In general use, “menopause” refers to the physiological process and its transition; the specific point of menopause is medically defined by 12 consecutive months without menstruation. The informal expression “change of life” is especially common in British English, while “the change” is used in both British and American English. Symptoms and their effects vary considerably among individuals, and medically induced menopause is sometimes distinguished from natural menopause.