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Menopause
Menopause refers to the time in a woman’s life when she stops having a menstrual period and is no longer fertile. The time leading up to menopause is called the menopausal transition, or perimenopause. Typically, menopause occurs between ages 45 and 55.
NICHD is one of many federal agencies and NIH Institutes working to better understand menopause. NICHD also supports and conducts research on conditions related to menopause, such as osteoporosis and menopausal hormone therapy.
General Information
Menopause refers to the time in a woman's life when she stops having a menstrual period and is no longer fertile.
Some symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, lack of sleep, mood changes, and loss of bone density.
In the natural process of menopause, a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and making the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Women typically notice the signs and symptoms of menopause without a formal diagnosis from their healthcare provider.
Menopause is a normal part of aging and every woman goes through it. It can't be prevented and normally doesn't require treatment.
Research
NICHD conducts and supports research on menopause and on many disorders associated with menopause.
Find a Study
NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to menopause.
More Information
Find answers to other common questions about menopause, such as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), benefits and risks of MHT, and alternative remedies to relieve menopause symptoms.
Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about menopause.
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