menopause

noun

men·​o·​pause ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz 

ˈmē-

1

: the natural cessation of menstruation that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55

also : the period during which such cessation occurs

called also climacteric

compare perimenopause

2

: cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes

menopausal

ˌme-nə-ˈpȯ-zəl 

ˌmē-

adjective

Examples of menopause in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Share [Findings] Depression in humans is correlated with higher body temperature, and cold-water swimming mitigates menopause symptoms. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024

This body butter's ingredients list also lends itself to being an excellent moisturizer for anyone experiencing perimenopause or menopause, which can create more intense dryness. —Nikhita Mahtani, Allure, 22 Apr. 2024

Some people are turning to cannabis to ease menopause symptoms. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2024

Aside from chimps and humans, researchers have found clear evidence of menopause in only five species — all of them whales. —Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Despite significant progress in destigmatizing menopause, confusion and stigma persists. —Angela Chan, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

Halle Berry said a herpes misdiagnosis about three years ago prompted her to use her platform to help other women transitioning through menopause. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

This is likely due to men having about 20% thicker skin than women and because aging women lose significantly more collagen than aging men do, primarily coinciding with menopause. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024

Well now, a new generation of women is going under the knife to combat changes triggered by another major hormonal event in a woman’s life: menopause. —Genevieve Monsma, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French ménopause, from méno- men- + pause stop, pause

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing menopause

• male menopause
• pre-menopause

Kids Definition

menopause

noun

meno·​pause

ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz

: the period of life when menstruation permanently stops naturally that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55

menopausal

ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl

adjective

Medical Definition

menopause

noun

meno·​pause ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz  ˈmēn- 

1

a(1)

: the natural cessation of menstruation occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55

… osteoporosis, which increases the risk of hip and spine fractures, is a well-known consequence of menopause.

—Daniel D. Federman, The New England Journal of Medicine

(2)

: the physiological period in the life of a woman in which such cessation and the accompanying regression of ovarian function occurs

Hot flashes plague many women undergoing menopause …

—K. A. Fackelmann, Science News

called also climacteric, climax

compare perimenopause

b

: cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes (as from surgical removal of the ovaries)

Premature menopause due to surgery or ovarian failure …

—Mary Duenwald, O: The Oprah Magazine

2

: andropause

menopausal

ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl  ˌmēn- 

adjective

menopausal symptoms

menopausal women