During which stage of life does menopause typically occur?

Menopause typically occurs during middle adulthood, which is generally defined as being between the ages of 40 and 60. This stage is characterized by significant physiological changes in women, as the ovaries gradually reduce their production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The cessation of menstruation, which marks menopause, usually occurs around the age of 51 on average, but can vary widely among individuals.

During this time, women may experience various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and changes in sexual function, all of which are associated with the hormonal fluctuations that accompany menopause. Recognizing that this is a normal and natural part of aging helps to provide context for understanding women's health issues during this significant period of life.

In contrast, adolescence involves the onset of reproductive capability, young adulthood is characterized by the establishment of reproductive health, and late adulthood typically refers to the years after menopause, focusing more on the implications of aging rather than on reproductive changes.