Menopause is known as the end of the female menstrual cycle. The term is normally described by the changes females endure just before or after they stop having their periods, marking the end of their reproductive years. There are three stages to menopause which progress slowly, they are: - Perimenopause This phase is the start, it officially kicks off the years prior to menopause completely taking effect. This is when your ovaries begin to slowly make less estrogen. Perimenopause can last several years and ends once menopause finally hits, this is when the ovaries stop releasing eggs completely. In the final 1 to 2 years of perimenopause, estrogen levels begin to fall faster. - Menopause The main event which perimenopause was leading up to. This is when is it has been at least 1 year since you have had your last period. This means your ovaries have completely stopped releasing eggs and making most of the estrogen. - Post Menopause This is the years after menopause has finished. The common menopausal symptoms have eased up, like hot flashes. However, health risks related to the loss of estrogen are increasing as you get older. The symptoms of menopause can be different in each female that goes through it. Normally, menopause symptoms can last anywhere around 4 years.