The time in a woman’s life when ovulation and menstruation cease (see menstrual cycle). It normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The effects of the gonadotrophic hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, in the ovaries decrease so that the follicles do not develop properly. There is a change in the balance of the hormones oestradiol and progesterone, secreted by the ovaries, which may be associated with certain physical symptoms, such as weight gain and ‘hot flushes’, and there may also be mood changes. These symptoms can be treated by long-term hormone replacement therapy with oestrogens and progestogens.