At what point does menopause occur?

Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for at least 12 consecutive months. This natural biological process typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of reproductive years. At this stage, the ovaries cease to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of menstruation and associated changes in the body.

The other options do not accurately describe menopause. The first menstrual period, known as menarche, marks the beginning of a woman's reproductive life rather than its end. Puberty signifies the development stage where a child develops into an adult, including the start of menstruation, but it is unrelated to the cessation of menstrual cycles. Pregnancy, while a potential cause for missed periods, is not a determinant of menopause since menstruation will resume in non-pregnant women after childbirth unless menopause has occurred. Therefore, the definition of menopause as the absence of menstruation for at least one year is critical in determining when this transition occurs in a woman's life.