The menopause is defined as a woman's final period. In Western Women this occurs on average between the ages of 45-50, but sometimes can occur earlier or later in life. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting when it will happen.

The technical bit

The menopause occurs when the ovaries no longer respond to the controlling hormones released in the pituitary gland in the brain.
As a result, the ovaries stop releasing an egg each month and stop producing the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
It is the fall in levels of oestrogen and progesterone that gives rise to the symptoms of the menopause.

Pre or Peri Menopause

This is often characterised as a bout of irregular periods as the body reduces its production of oestrogen and progesterone. This can last up to 2-3 years before the menopause itself starts.