menopause

n. The cessation of a woman's fertility including a drastic lowering of estrogen production in the ovaries and cessation of menstrual cycles, which usually occurs over a period of several years called perimenopause and is complete around age 50. The perimenopausal period is often accompanied by hot flashes, heart palpitations, depression or anxiety, and mood swings. Also called the climacteric or change of life.