noun

• 1The ceasing of menstruation.

  ‘Menstrual cycles can occur without ovulation taking place as the menopause approaches.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Loss of muscle increases six-fold at the time of the menopause so it may have a connection with estrogen.’
  • ‘Smoking can cause infertility and an early menopause in women, and sperm problems in men.’
  • ‘After menopause, the ovaries produce lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.’
  • ‘In women after the menopause, the lack of oestrogen can lead to a weakening of the muscles associated with the bladder and the urethral sphincter.’

  1. 1.1The period in a woman's life (typically between 45 and 50 years of age) when this occurs.
     ‘Smokers and childless women are known to go through the menopause at a younger age than other women.’
     More example sentences

     • ‘Every woman who has periods will go through the menopause at some time in her life, usually between the ages of 42 and 58.’
     • ‘Some view the menopause as a significant stage in ageing.’
     • ‘The hot flushes and the night sweats have been worse than when I was just through the natural menopause.’
     • ‘I wondered if I was starting the menopause, but decided that I was too young.’