DefinitionAs a woman ages, a number of changes take place in the female reproductive system. For women, the cessation of menses (menopause) is an obvious sign of aging. But, it is by no means the only change. A transition period, called the climacteric, lasts for many years before and after a woman's last menstrual period.See also: MenopauseInformationFor a woman, aging changes involve hormone levels, physical changes in the woman's entire reproductive tract, and psychological changes. Changes occur in the intricate relationship between the ovarian hormones and those produced by the pituitary gland (in the brain).AGING CHANGESMenopause is a normal part of a woman's aging process. The ovaries stop releasing eggs (ova), and menstrual periods stop. Most women experience menopause around age 5