What is Menopause?

The term "menopause" really refers to the last period or menstruation which a woman has, but it has come to mean the time of life surrounding this period during which her ovaries (glands which produce eggs and sex hormones) slowly stop working, and her body gets used to lower hormone levels.

The changes are not sudden, but happen gradually over a few years, usually between 40 to 55 years of age.

What are the Symptoms That Will Signify That the Change of Life is Taking Place?

Apart from cessation of periods, the symptoms experienced due to lack of female hormones may be:

Hot flushes and Sweats

Hot flushes may happen when you are excited, under stress, or doing nothing in particular! You, suddenly feel hot, and the heat seems to rise to your face so that you feel as if you are blushing furiously.

Sweating can accompany or occur on its own, particularly at night.

Emotional Changes

You may feel nervous, irritable, tense, depressed or weepy, for no particular reason. Some women complain of headaches, flutterings in the chest, fatigue or difficulty in concentrating and sleeping.

Body Changes

The genital organs can undergo marked alteration, which can lead to irritation, itching and discharge. Many women complain intercourse is painful, and this can affect attitude towards the sexual relationship.

Other changes sometimes takes place in and around the bladder. As a result, some women find they have to pass urine more often and more likely to suffer bouts of "Cystitis".