What is menopause?

Menopause simply means cessation of menses (meno = menses; pause = cessation). 

For most women, perimenopause and menopause begins in the mid-40s to mid-50s. During this time a woman may experience a variety of symptoms as her body adjusts to changing hormone levels. If you are approaching age 50, then you may already be feeling some changes in yourself.

When a women approaches menopause, her period may become irregular and unpredictable. It may come more often or less often. It may also be longer and heavier or be shorter. A woman may even skip several periods in a row. Some women experience no menstrual symptoms--one day they just stop. If you are experiencing changes you may want to keep a menstrual record chart for yourself and your healthcare provider.

As a woman's production of estrogen winds down during the transition to menopause, she may have virtually no symptoms or she may be riding an emotional roller coaster of moodiness, irritablity and discomfort. Usually, the changes accompanying menopause are predictable and natural. However, there are symptoms that occur that may be physically uncomfortable and emotionally stressful. At least three quarters of all women in menopause have hot flashes or night sweats. Other symptoms include vaginal dryness, changes in skin texture, breast shape and facial hair. Many of these symptoms can be helped through good eating habits and regular exercise.