Definition: Menopause is the cessation of menstruation, or monthly menstrual cycles. Menopause begins when there have been no menses for twelve consecutive months. Technically, menopause occurs only on the day you have not menstruated for twelve consecutive months. The day after you have not menstruated for one full year, you are considered postmenopausal. The day before your menopause day, you are premenopausal. Perimenopause is the term for the months and years that lead to menopause. The average women experiences menopause at the age of 51.4. The normal range is from 40 to 58 years old.
Source:
National Women’s Health Resource Center; “Could I Be In Menopause;” http://www.healthywomen.org/healthcenters/midlifehealthcenter/featurearticleofthemonth/february2006; accessed 09/12/07
