Final answer:
Menopause is the cessation of the menstrual cycle that occurs as a result of the loss of ovarian follicles and hormones. The average age for menopause is between 50 and 52 years, but it can occur earlier or later depending on various factors. Poor health and smoking can contribute to early menopause.
Step-by-step explanation:
The loss of ovarian follicles and the hormones they generate causes the menstrual cycle to stop, a condition known as menopause. If a person has gone a full year without menstruating, it is deemed complete. Menopause often occurs between the ages of 50 and 52, however it can also happen at any point during a person's forties or fifties. Menopause and fertility decline can occur earlier in life due to a number of causes, including smoking and poor health.