Menopause Menopause is defined as the time of cessation of ovarian function resulting in permanent amenorrhoea. It takes  12 months of amenorrhoea to confirm that menopause. Cessation before age 40, termed premature ovarian failure, is associated with an elevated  follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Climacteric is the phase of waning ovarian activity, and may begin 2–3 years