Menopause
What is menopause and when does it usually begin?
Medically reviewed by: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çınar — Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF and Reproductive Medicine SpecialistLast updated:
Short answer
Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation and is confirmed retrospectively, twelve months after the last period. The average age of onset is between 45 and 50; when it occurs before the age of 40 it is described as premature menopause.
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Related guidelines and sources
Official guidelines and institutional pages that describe the general framework behind this answer:
Please note: this answer is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Treatment decisions are made together with your physician after an individual assessment.