when do women stop having periods

Women typically stop having periods during menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age around 50 to 52 years old. Menopause is defined as having gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Before menopause, women go through perimenopause, a transitional phase lasting several years during which periods become irregular before stopping completely. The cessation of periods happens because the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation. After menopause, a woman can no longer become pregnant. Some women may experience menopause earlier due to medical conditions or surgery, and this is called premature menopause if it happens before age 40.