停经期；更年期(menopause)

月经最终停止、女性生育力丧失的时期。通常开始於四十五～五十五岁。停经期卵巢功能减退，雌激素分泌减少。排卵时间不规则并逐渐停止。月经周期和持续时间因人而异，经血流量可能减少或增加。内分泌系统为平衡雌激素减少的体内环境变化情况而导致热潮红，通常在夜间发作，患者因发热、大汗而惊醒。其他症状如烦躁和头痛，则多为对衰老的反应而产生。因病而经手术切除或破坏卵巢可致人工停经，会出现相似但更突然发作的症状。激素（荷尔蒙）平衡的改变通常不会造成身体或心理上的困扰。然而，雌激素防止骨质疏松和动脉粥样硬化（参阅arteriosclerosis）的保护作用消失後，骨折和罹患冠状动脉心脏病的风险便增加了。过去曾广泛使用以减低这些风险的荷尔蒙取代疗法，却可能增加罹患子宫内膜癌（参阅uterus）和乳癌的机会。

English version：

menopause

Final cessation of menstruation, ending female fertility. It usually begins between ages 45 and 55. A gradual decline in function of the ovaries reduces estrogen production. Ovulation becomes irregular and gradually ceases. The length of the menstrual cycle and periods may vary; flow may lessen or increase. Adjustment of the endocrine system to estrogen reduction causes hot flashes, often at night, with a warm sensation, flushing, and sweating; other symptoms, such as irritability and headaches, may be related more to reactions to aging. Removal or destruction of the ovaries to treat disease causes artificial menopause, with similar but more sudden effects. Changes in hormone balance usually cause no physical or mental disturbances. However, the protective effect of estrogen against osteoporosis and atherosclerosis (see arteriosclerosis) is lost, and risk of fracture and coronary heart disease increase. Hormone replacement therapy, once widely prescribed to reduce these risks, may raise the risk of endometrial (see uterus) and breast cancer.