Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops. It usually occurs naturally, most often after age 45. Menopause happens because the woman's ovaries stos producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for one year.

Changes and symptoms can start several years earlier. They include:

• A change in periods - shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, with more or less time in between
• Hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Trouble sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings
• Trouble focusing
• Less hair on head, more on face

After menopause, women are more vulnerable to bone loss and heart disease. Exercise and eating a healthy diet can help keep women healthy as they age.

References

National Women's Health Information Center: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menopause.html