Menopause officially begins when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without menstruating.
Your hormone levels naturally decline as you reach the end of your reproductive years.
Once you reach menopause, you will no longer ovulate or experience a menstrual period. This means you will no longer be able to become pregnant.
People in the United States generally experience natural menopause at around 51 years old.
What are the stages of menopause?
Menopause is a gradual process. It usually takes about 7 yearsTrusted Source from beginning to end but may last up to 14 years. The time leading up to menopause is perimenopause. It usually begins in your mid-40s.
Your hormone levels begin to change, causing menstruation to become more irregular. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Menopause occurs when 12 or more months have passed since your last menstrual period. Although many people experience menopause in their early 50s, this transition can happen earlier in life.
Early menopause occurs at ages 40–45 years. Premature menopause occurs before age 40
