Menopause

By RRM Academy Reviewed by Dr. Naomi Whittaker, MD, Board-Certified OBGYN, MIGS, NFPMC, FCI Updated May 7, 2026

Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles due to the natural aging of the ovaries. The average age of onset is approximately 50 years, with a normal physiologic range of 37 to 56 years.⁷⁸ By clinical convention, menopause is confirmed when 12 consecutive months pass without a menstrual period.

Menopause is a physiologic transition, not a disease. The hormonal changes it involves, including shifts in estradiol, progesterone, FSH, and LH, have downstream effects on cardiovascular risk, bone density, and neurological function that RRM clinicians evaluate individually.⁷⁸ When menopause occurs before age 40, it meets the criteria for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and is managed differently.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.