Menopause, the time in a woman’s life when she stops having menstrual periods and can no longer get pregnant naturally, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age of menopause is 51 in the United States.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, during which a woman’s ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that control the menstrual cycle. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods.
