Final answer:
Menopause is the cessation of the monthly menstrual flow, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurring in her late forties to early fifties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cessation of the monthly flow, referring to the end of a woman's menstrual cycles, is called menopause. This biological change signifies the end of a woman's reproductive years, generally occurring in her late forties to early fifties. Menopause happens when the ovaries stop producing eggs and there is a decreased sensitivity of the ovaries to Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), leading to the conclusion of menstruation.
During the reproductive years, a woman experiences the menstrual cycle, which includes ovulation and changes to the uterus, like menstruation. Menstruation itself involves the shedding of the endometrium of the uterus when fertilization has not occurred in the preceding cycle. The final menstrual period occurs at menopause, after which the monthly cycles cease, and a woman no longer has the natural capacity to reproduce.
In summary, menopause marks the end of a woman's monthly menstrual periods, often accompanied by various physiological and hormonal changes.