What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage of a woman’s reproductive cycle. It is a transition marked by changes in one’s menstrual cycle, specifically the time frame after which a woman’s period has been absent for 12 months. Onset of menopause typically occurs in a woman’s mid-to-late 40’s with the average age of onset being 51 years. Some women may experience menopause much earlier or later than average.