When menstrual cycle ceases around 50 years of age, it is termed as:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Menopause

(1) Ovulation — Incorrect. Ovulation is the release of the ovum from the Graafian follicle. It happens about the middle of each menstrual cycle (around the 14th day). It does not mean that the cycles have stopped.

(2) Menopause — Correct. In human females, menstrual cycles stop at around 50 years of age. This stage is called menopause. The reproductive phase lasts from menarche (the first menstruation) to menopause.

(3) Parturition — Incorrect. Parturition is the delivery of the baby at the end of pregnancy.

(4) Puberty — Incorrect. Puberty is the stage when the reproductive organs mature. In girls, menstruation begins at puberty; it does not stop.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 14-05-2026 (Slot 2).

NCERT Extract:
Menstrual Cycle – “… The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium. Such an endometrium is necessary for implantation of the fertilised ovum and other events of pregnancy. During pregnancy all events of the menstrual cycle stop and there is no menstruation. In the absence of fertilisation, the corpus luteum degenerates. This causes disintegration of the endometrium leading to menstruation, marking a new cycle. In human beings, menstrual cycles ceases around 50 years of age; that is termed as menopause.”