A natural decline in reproductive hormones when a woman reaches her 40s or 50s.
Menopause is signalled by 12 months since last menstruation.
Common symptoms include hot flashes and vaginal dryness. There may also be sleep disturbances. The combination of these symptoms can cause anxiety or depression. . During menopause, your body goes through major hormonal changes, decreasing the amount of hormones it makes — particularly estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries. When your ovaries no longer make enough estrogen and progesterone, hormone therapy can be used as a supplement.
Menopause is a natural process with treatments that focus on symptomatic relief. Vaginal dryness is treated with topical lubricants or oestrogen. Medications can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flushes. In special circumstances, oral hormone therapy may be used.