Menopause
Description
The end of a person's menstrual cycles, starting after 12 straight months without a period, vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Overview
Natural menopause happens in the 40s or 50s as levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop. But some treatments and conditions also can cause menopause to start. These include surgery to remove the ovaries, chemotherapy, radiation and the ovaries not making the usual amount of estrogen, called primary ovarian insufficiency.
Symptoms
In the months or years leading up to menopause, symptoms may include periods that aren't regular, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, trouble sleeping and mood changes. Menopause might also cause trouble with memory and finding words, called brain fog.
Treatments
Menopause treatments can ease symptoms. Hormone therapy, some antidepressants and other medicines can relieve hot flashes. Vaginal estrogen can ease dryness of the vagina. If needed, some medicines can help prevent or treat osteoporosis. Healthy habits such as eating well, not smoking, exercising and getting good sleep also can help.
