menopause

Definition

The period in a woman's life when menstruation becomes irregular and less frequent before eventually stopping altogether, usually accompanied by a range of unpleasant symptoms; the period spanning perimenopause up to postmenopause.

Etymology

From French ménopause, from Latin menopausis, from Ancient Greek μήν (mḗn, “month”) + παῦσις (paûsis, “pause”). Equivalent to meno- + -pause.

Example Sentences

• "The encounter soured Thomas's relationship with Jessa, who had founded the mobile payments company, with the chief executive eventually attributing the 51-year-old's behavior to the menopause, an employment tribunal was told."
• "The council is proposing to include guidance to magistrates and judges to consider the impact of the menopause on the behaviour of women typically aged between 45 and 55.[…]Earlier this year an employment tribunal took account of a woman’s menopause symptoms in her claim of discrimination by her employers. Maria Rooney, 52, claimed her anxiety and depression from the menopause meant she took extended periods of sick leave leading to her resignation."