What is menopause? At what age does menopause occur?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution

1. **Definition of Menopause**: Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is characterized by the cessation of menstruation and the decline in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

2. **Menstrual Cycle Overview**: Before understanding menopause, it's important to know about the menstrual cycle. This cycle begins with puberty, typically around the age of 11 to 13 years, when a female's body starts to release eggs (ova) from the ovaries.

3. **Menstrual Cycle Process**: Each month, an egg is released and travels through the fallopian tube. If fertilization occurs (when sperm meets the egg), it can lead to pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the egg is shed along with the uterine lining during menstruation, which is the monthly bleeding.

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