Menopause happens when a woman stops having her monthly period. It is a normal part of aging and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Menopause typically occurs in a woman's late 40s to early 50s. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. Menopause is confirmed when a woman has gone without a period for 12 consecutive months. As menopause nears, the ovaries no longer release eggs into the fallopian tubes, and the woman has her last menstrual cycle.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  
• Dry skin, eyes or mouth
  
• Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings, mild depression)
  
• Hot flashes
  
• Night sweats and/or cold flashes
  
• Urinary urgency (a pressing need to urinate more frequently)
  
• Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex