menopause

Everyday

The time in a woman's life, usually in middle age, when her monthly periods stop for good and she can no longer have babies. tree →

In the lessons

In health and science lessons about growing up and the human life cycle. It is a natural stage of life, not an illness, though it can cause hot flushes and tiredness. Phrases: go through the menopause, the menopause.

Examples

• The menopause is a normal part of growing older for women. tree →
• Mum said she is going through the menopause. tree →
• During the menopause, some women feel very hot suddenly. tree →
• Our health lesson explained puberty and the menopause. tree →
• The menopause usually happens in middle age. tree →
• It is kind to be patient with people going through big body changes like the menopause. tree →

Note

Uncountable; often "the menopause" (UK) or just "menopause" (US). Adjective: menopausal. It is the opposite end of life from puberty, when periods start.