Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of menstrual cycles in women, typically occurring between ages 45-55. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period.
Related terms
Estrogen: This is one of the primary female sex hormones which decreases significantly during menopause. Estrogen is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause by replacing hormones that are at lower levels as women approach menopause.
A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, often resulting from hormonal changes or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. The risk increases after menopause due to lower levels of estrogen.