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menopause

noun men·o·pause \ ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz , ˈmē- \
|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

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

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Recent Examples of menopause from the Web

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

MENOPAUSE Defined for English Language Learners

menopause

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

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
—

menopausal

play \ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl, ˌmēn-\ adjective
    • menopausal symptoms
    • menopausal women

Learn More about menopause

  1. 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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