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Menopause
Take a look at this chart of terms and definitions:
| Terms Related to Menopause | |
| Term | Definition |
| Menopause | Begins at the cessation of menstrual cycles |
| Perimenopause | The period leading up to and one year following menopause. This period is marked by alterations in hormonal profiles. |
| Postmenopause | The period following menopause, usually beginning one year after the complete cessation of menstrual cycles |
The normal changes that take place during these phases of a woman's life primarily result from alterations in levels of sex hormones, particularly estrogen. Many of these changes occur as a function of aging. When a woman is perimenopausal or menopausal, the degree of these changes may be accelerated or exaggerated.
What are some of the specific characteristics of menopause?
