Menopause is not an illness. It is simply a time when your body is adjusting to lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is a part of every woman's reproductive life cycle.

Among the first changes that occur with this decrease in hormones are changes in the frequency of your menstrual cycle or period. The time between periods may sometimes be longer, other times shorter. Your length of bleeding may also vary in the number of days and amount of flow. A woman reaches menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months.

Natural menopause occurs gradually in most women between ages 45 and 55. Menopause may also begin suddenly due to surgery that results in removal of the ovaries or medical treatments that affect the ability of the ovaries to function.

Other Effects of Menopause
Along with the decrease in estrogen and menstrual cycle changes, two common symptoms experienced by women going through menopause are hot flashes and night sweats.

Hot flashes
A hot flash, or "hot flush," begins with the sensation of heat in your face and upper body that may be accompanied by a red, flushed face or sweating. Some women find that their hot flashes can be triggered by stress, caffeine, spicy foods, hot drinks, or alcohol.

Night sweats
Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during your sleep. Often, they are severe enough to wake you. Along with night sweats, many women going through menopause experience insomnia, which is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night.

Reducing Menopausal Symptoms

Stay healthy
By developing and maintaining healthy habits, you can significantly increase wellness during menopause. You should try to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and quit smoking to help decrease your menopausal symptoms.

Explore your treatment options
There are many products available to help relieve menopausal symptoms. There are risks and benefits to different therapies. Talk to your doctor about what treatment option is right for you.

Hormone Therapy (HT). HT provides the hormones that your body no longer produces after menopause. It is an effective approach approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the relief of hot flashes and night sweats, as well as vaginal dryness. HT is available in several forms. Many women find that taking a daily pill is a simple, convenient way to supplement the hormones their bodies are no longer producing. HT is not for everyone. Please discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Alternative Therapies. (e.g., pill, patch, vaginal ring or cream) Herbal or "natural" supplements are one way to treat menopausal symptoms. These products contain no assurances regarding their exact dosage, efficacy, or purity and are not regulated by the FDA. Some supplements may even have serious side effects. If you are using, or considering using, any dietary supplement, be sure to tell your healthcare provider.

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