Menopause also referred to as the "change of life" is when the ovaries stop producing hormones and therefore stop functioning. Menopause is said to have occurred when 12 months have passed since the woman’s last menstrual period when a woman has not had a hysterectomy.

Menopause is a natural process that occurs in all women. This process brings about several physical, biological and psychological changes in a woman's life to which she must adapt. The changes and symptoms associated with menopause vary from woman to woman as each woman experiences it uniquely.

Menopause usually occurs around the ages of 50 and 51. However, this is just an average guide since menopause can start anywhere from the 30's to the 60's.

Symptoms of Menopause

Perimenopause is the term used to describe both the period before menopause and the time after the last menstrual flow has occurred. Here are some indications that menopause may be close.

• Irregular menstruation - One of the earliest signs of menopause is irregular menstruation. Some women may experience lighter or heavier flows, may skip periods
  
  
• Hot flashes - Also referred to as hot flushes. This is one of the most well known symptom of menopause, presumably because it is one of the most common. A hot flash is a wave of heat that lasts up to a few minutes. This hot flush can raise the body temperature and a woman feels hot and sweaty. When this causes discomfort, it can be treated with natural remedies or even HRT.
  
  
• Vaginal changes - There are several changes that happen to the vagina. These include the reduction of natural vaginal lubrication resulting in painful intercourse, thinning of the skin and changes in the pH levels making a woman more susceptible to infections.
  
  
• Psychological changes - Women going through menopause may experience shifts in their moods, irritability and emotional upsets. Aside from hormonal fluctuations, other factors may also contribute to these changes, including stress, fatigue, the empty nest syndrome, and other life changes.
  
  
• Physical appearance - Due to the hormonal changes, women may notice changes to their physical appearance including a their breast tissue becomes less dense and more fatty, thinning out of hair and drying out of skin.
  
  
• Night sweats and sleep disturbance - Night sweats are often the result of hot flashes. A woman may suddenly wake up at night with soaked in sweat only to feel cold a moment later. As a result, sleep disturbances along with its apparent effects is very likely.
  
  
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