Main Entry: meno·pause

Pronunciation: \ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz, ˈmēn-\

Function: noun

1 a (1) : the natural cessation of menstruation occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55 with a mean in Western cultures of approximately 51 (2) : the physiological period in the life of a woman in which such cessation and the accompanying regression of ovarian function occurs—called also climacteric; compare perimenopause b : cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes (as from surgical removal of the ovaries)
2 : andropause

—meno·paus·al \ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl, ˌmēn-\ adjective