What is menopause?
Menopause is a hormonal process, an age of transition, often with a not-so-clear beginning and end when it comes to symptoms. Menopause is not an illness but a natural part of aging for women. Menopause consists of the time around the final menstrual period. This is the time from the first signs of lowered production of estrogen, which is called perimenopause, to the time following final menstruation. Once you have not menstruated for 12 months, you have reached menopause and are now post-menopausal.
Last updated: 2025.06.24