The menopause is when a woman stops having periods. It's a natural part of ageing that usually happens between 45 and 55 years old, though it can happen earlier.

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The years around menopause is often likened to puberty in reverse, where hormonal changes mark the end stage of a woman's reproductive journey.

Menopause is typically confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It can also occur if a woman's ovaries are surgically removed.

The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, or the menopausal transition. This is the time when hormones start to change, but before periods stop completely.

Perimenopause usually begins in a woman's mid-40s, but can start earlier or later for some women.

Perimenopause typically lasts around 7 years but varies woman to woman.

Estrogen plays a key role in the menstrual cycle by stimulating the release of mature eggs from the ovaries during ovulation.

As women age, the number and quality of eggs decline, leading to erratic ovulation. This, combined with fluctuations in estrogen levels, contributes to irregular cycles.

Decreased estrogen levels during menopause can lead to various complications, including trouble sleeping, irritability, depression, decreased sex drive, osteoporosis, heart disease, vaginal dryness, and hot flushes.

After menopause, women no longer have to deal with menstrual periods and the discomforts associated with them, and they don't have to worry about unintended pregnancy. Some people also report experiencing a new lease for life and feeling more stable hormonally.