Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has not experienced a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This significant life transition typically occurs around the age of 51, though individual experiences may vary. During menopause, the ovaries gradually decrease their production of key sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. While this process is a natural part of aging, certain medical interventions can induce menopause earlier, including:

• Oophorectomy (surgical removal of ovaries), resulting in immediate surgical menopause

• Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), which may lead to earlier onset of menopause

• Chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy, which can affect ovarian function

• Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors - medications used to treat breast cancer

Perimenopause, meaning "around menopause," describes the transitional phase leading up to menopause. This period, characterised by hormonal fluctuations and the onset of menopausal symptoms, typically begins about a decade before the final menstrual period.

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a condition where menopause occurs before the age of 40. This early onset of menopause can have significant implications for a woman's health and fertility, often requiring specialised medical attention and support.