What occurs when the ovaries cease hormone secretion?

Menopause marks the point in a woman's life when the ovaries stop producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to the conclusion of menstrual cycles. This biological transition generally occurs in women in their late 40s to early 50s and signifies a significant change in reproductive health.

During menopause, the body experiences various symptoms due to the decline in hormone levels, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. It is an important phase that indicates the end of fertility. Understanding menopause is vital for providing appropriate care, as it often requires adjustments in lifestyle and health management for those experiencing it.

On the other hand, premenopause refers to the reproductive years leading up to menopause, menarche is the start of menstruation occurring during adolescence, and ovulation is the process by which an ovary releases an egg, which happens during a woman's reproductive years. Each of these terms plays a role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health, but only menopause signifies the cessation of hormone production by the ovaries.