Final answer:
Menopause typically occurs around age 52, when menstrual cycles end due to the loss of ovarian function and associated hormones. The normal range is between ages 45 and 55, with poor health and smoking sometimes causing an earlier onset. The correct answer is option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Typical Age for Menopause
Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycles end, and it typically occurs around age 52. This is due to the loss of ovarian follicles and the hormones they produce, which results in the cessation of menstruation. A woman is considered to be in menopause after she has not had a menstrual period for a full year, becoming postmenopausal. Factors such as poor health or smoking can lead to an earlier onset of menopause.
The correct answer to the question is: b. Around age 45, although the more precise average age is 52. Menopause can occur normally between ages 45 and 55, so while b is the closest option, the typical range is slightly broader.