Question

Differentiate between menarche and menopause.

Answer 1

Menarche and Menopause both the terms are related to a female’s hormonal sexual cycle known as menstrual cycle. This menstrual cycle repeats itself in almost every 28 days.

Complete Answer:
Let’s check out the differences on both the terms, menarche and menopause.

Menarche	Menopause
Menarche is the beginning of the menstrual cycle in females.	Menopause is the ending phase of the menstrual cycle in females.
Beginning of menarche is approximately between the age group of 11-16 years.	Generally, menopause may occur between the age group of 45 - 50 years.
During the menarche, there is an increase in the bone mass.	With the increasing age and significant hormonal changes during the menopausal time, the bone mass starts deteriorating. (significant reduction in bone mass).
It signifies the beginning of the reproductive cycle of females.	It signifies the end of the reproductive cycle of the females.
Estrogen level increases during menarche.	Estrogen level starts decreasing slowly during menopause and then further declines ( this is also the reason for the low bone density in the old age of females)
Acne, irritability, mood swings, are the general signs of menarche(onset of the menstrual cycle).	Weight gain, lack of sleep, skin dryness, anxiety, low bone density, mood swings and hair loss are the general signs seen during menopause.
This is the onset of reproductive ability of a woman (the female is completely able now to conceive.	This is the end of reproductive maturity (the female cannot conceive further).

Note: On reaching the puberty stage, menarche starts. In females, the first menstruation that occurs between the age of 13 years -16 years of age is known as menarche. This happens when the level of reproductive hormones increases. The girls at a younger generation only start showing the sign of puberty like growing of pubic hair and breast growth, etc.
whereas, On reaching the stage of 45-55 years, the menstruation cycle and ovulation stop in females and this stage is known as menopause. This occurs when the hormonal level decreases.