What is menopause?

Menopause is the point in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently, marking the end of natural fertility. It is diagnosed retrospectively, after 12 consecutive months without a period, and typically happens as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone.

Menopause itself is a single point in time, but the hormonal changes around it unfold over several years and can affect sleep, mood, metabolism, and long-term bone and heart health.