Menopause is the point in a woman's life when menstruation stops permanently, signifying the end of her ability to have children. This transitional phase is called the climacteric, or perimenopause. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has been without periods for 1 year. On average, this occurs at about age 50. But like the beginning of menstruation in adolescence, timing varies from person to person.
Cigarette smokers tend to reach menopause earlier than nonsmokers.