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Postmenopausal

Meaning

Postmenopausal defines the stage in a woman’s life that commences twelve consecutive months after her final menstrual period, signifying the permanent cessation of ovarian follicular function and reproductive capacity. This physiological transition is characterized by a significant and sustained decline in the endogenous production of ovarian steroid hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, leading to various systemic changes. The postmenopausal state is a clinical designation with profound metabolic, cardiovascular, skeletal, and neuro-psychological implications for long-term health and longevity.