Final answer:
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. It typically occurs around the ages of 45 to 55 and marks the end of the reproductive years. Peri-menopause precedes menopause, with irregular cycles and various symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Menopause is commonly misunderstood as the period from a woman's first irregular menstrual cycles to her last menstruation. However, menopause actually refers to the stage when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, signaling the end of her reproductive years. Generally, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can vary due to biological and environmental factors. The cessation of menstrual periods is the result of the ovaries no longer being responsive to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), leading to a stop in egg production and menstrual cycles.
Prior to menopause, women experience peri-menopause, where the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. This transition period involves hormonal changes, such as a reduction in progesterone, and can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It's essential to distinguish between peri-menopause, which is the lead-up to menopause, and menopause itself, which is defined as the complete cessation of menstrual cycles.