menopause

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noun men·o·pause \ ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz , ˈmē- \

Definition of menopause

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

play \ˌme-nə-ˈpȯ-zəl, ˌmē-\ adjective

See menopause defined for English-language learners

See menopause defined for kids

Recent Examples of menopause from the Web

David didn't end up marrying her fiance from her 30s, and her bout with breast cancer brought on menopause early.

— domenica bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, "This playwright 'hulked out' against cancer — twice — and a note to Mark Ruffalo helped her," 21 Aug. 2017
Hormone replacement with estrogen after menopause carries similar risks.

— andrea k. mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Gallstones can cause complications during pregnancy," 9 Aug. 2017
During this time, generally the eight to 10 years before menopause (which typically happens in your early 50s), your body preps for the the menstruation finish line.

— kristine thomason, PEOPLE.com, "How Your Period Changes During Your 20s, 30s and 40s," 28 June 2017
In women, the incidence of sleep apnea increases after menopause, which means people with the ailment may believe their sudden lethargy is due to other changes.

— cleve r. wootson jr., The Denver Post, "Carrie Fisher’s death shines a light on an underrated health problem," 17 June 2017
The apps also don't adjust for changes in menstrual patterns caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding or the onset of menopause, the study's researchers said.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "Period-tracking apps give heads-up when menstrual cycle is due," 9 June 2017
Learn about the factors that cause weight gain during menopause and effective strategies to feel good and maintain a healthy weight.

— ann norman, cleveland.com, "Medina County District Library news: Family Food Festival, Bee Festival, healthy living classes," 1 June 2017
Scientists wondered if blocking FSH might therefore prevent some of the physiological effects associated with menopause.

— diana gitig, Ars Technica, "This one weird antibody reduces belly fat (in post-menopausal women)," 1 June 2017
This process typically speeds up in women at the time of menopause, and in men around the age of 70.

— natalie parish,, star-telegram.com, "Osteoporosis: Preventing bone loss is critical to health and longevity," 30 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'menopause.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of menopause

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

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First Known Use: 1872

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MENOPAUSE Defined for English Language Learners

menopause

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noun

Definition of menopause for English Language Learners

: the time in a woman's life when blood stops flowing from her body each month : the time when a woman stops menstruating

Medical Dictionary

menopause

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noun meno·pause \ ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz , ˈmēn- \

medical Definition of menopause

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, 6 Apr. 2006

(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, 13 Oct. 1990

— 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, February 2009

2 :andropause

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menopausal

play \ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl, ˌmēn-\ adjective

- menopausal symptoms
- menopausal women

Learn More about menopause

Spanish Central: Translation of menopause Nglish: Translation of menopause for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of menopause for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about menopause

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menopause

Definition of menopause

menopausal

Recent Examples of menopause from the Web

Origin and Etymology of menopause

MENOPAUSE Defined for English Language Learners

menopause

Definition of menopause for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

menopause

medical Definition of menopause

menopausal

Learn More about menopause

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menopause

Definition of menopause

menopausal

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Recent Examples of menopause from the Web

Origin and Etymology of menopause

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menopause

Definition of menopause for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

menopause

medical Definition of menopause

menopausal

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