Menopause is the milestone in every woman's life that marks the end of her reproductive years. Most (95%) of all women begin the transition to menopause (perimenopause) between ages 39 and 51. On average, women start perimenopause around age 46, with an average of 5 years until menstruation ends. After 1 year of no menstrual periods, a woman is said to have reached menopause.

• The average age of menopause is between 50 and 51. In 95% of all women, it occurs between the ages of 44 and 56.¹
• Menopause before the age of 40 (spontaneous premature menopause) is rare, affecting about 1% of women in the United States.¹
• Genetic factors can be a strong predictor of when menopause will occur. If your mother had an early or late menopause, you probably will also.¹
• Cigarette smokers experience menopause an average of 1.5 years earlier than nonsmokers.¹
• Women living at high altitudes experience an earlier menopause.¹

Menopause can also be caused by surgical removal of the ovaries, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.