What term describes the period in a woman's life when the menstrual cycle ends?

The term that describes the period in a woman's life when the menstrual cycle ends is menopause. This significant physiological transition typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the cessation of menstrual periods and a decline in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. During menopause, a woman no longer has the ability to conceive naturally, and various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes may occur due to hormonal fluctuations.

Andropause refers to a similar concept in men, characterized by a gradual decline in testosterone levels, but it does not pertain to women. The menstrual phase is part of the menstrual cycle that occurs during the weeks leading up to menstruation and does not describe the end of the cycle. Ovulation is the process during the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovary, which also does not relate to the conclusion of a woman's reproductive capability. Thus, menopause is the correct term for the conclusion of the menstrual cycle in women.