Menopause

Menopause is an inevitable process in every woman's life, characterized by the permanent cessation of menstruation due to ovarian failure. Clinically, menopause can be diagnosed in women over 40 years old who have not experienced menstruation for 12 months after their last menstrual period, excluding pregnancy. The average age of natural menopause for Chinese women is 49.5 years, ranging from 45 to 55 years. Menopause occurring between 40 and 45 years of age is termed early menopause, while menopause before 40 years of age is referred to as premature ovarian insufficiency. Based on the cause, menopause can be classified into two types: natural menopause and artificial menopause. Natural menopause: This is a normal physiological phenomenon resulting from the age-related depletion of ovarian follicles and subsequent loss of ovarian function. Artificial menopause: This refers to menopause induced by surgical removal of both ovaries or damage to the ovaries caused by radiation exposure (e.g., radiotherapy).