In most women, the menstrual cycle continues for at least 40 years from puberty. Between the ages of 45 and 55, the levels of hormones change; the menstrual cycle becomes less regular and eventually stops. This stage, called menopause, marks the point at which a female is no longer capable of reproducing. Menopause is a normal occurrence in all women; however, the effects of menopause vary widely from one woman to another. In men, by contrast, sperm production continues throughout life, although the number of healthy sperm likely declines with age
