Menopause

Menopause: End of a Woman's Fertility

The menopause (medical term: climacteric) refers to the phase of a woman's life in which fertility slowly declines and eventually ends.

The menopause begins for some women as early as their 40s, but for others, it may not start until their 50s. This new phase of life is associated with physical adjustment processes that can be unpleasant and lead to emotional problems. The main cause of this is shifts in hormone balance (declining estrogen levels), which can lead to a range of discomforts and complaints.

Signs that the menopause may be starting can include: irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, sleep disturbances – and very frequently occurring hot flashes with sweating. Also, read our guide "Sweating During Menopause."