When women go through menopause, they no longer have menstrual periods and their ovaries stop releasing eggs and dramatically reduce their production of estrogen. Menopause can occur either naturally, between the ages of 41 and 59 years of age, or through medical intervention at an earlier age. Natural menopause simply means that the ovaries shut down on their own, not as a result of medical intervention. Women experience natural menopause at an average age of 51, but it can start earlier or later.

Natural menopause occurs in three stages:

Perimenopause: During this stage, which begins 8 to 10 years before menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Although fertility is lower, women can still become pregnant.

Menopause: This is the point when a woman has her last menstrual period. Menopause is confirmed when a women has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.

Postmenopause: The years after menopause, during which time hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause may decrease. Induced menopause is an immediate reaction that occurs after the following medical interventions:

* Surgical removal of both ovaries (often as part of a hysterectomy)

* Cancer chemotherapy

* Pelvic radiation therapy

* Treatment with hormone-altering drugs

Women experience different symptoms as they move through menopause. Here are some of the most common ones:

* Changes in menstrual cycle

* Hot flashes

* Insomnia

* Fatigue

* Headaches

* Emotional changes

Hot flashes are a very common symptom of menopause and may start before any menstrual changes occur. During a hot flash, women may experience nausea, dizziness and sweating, they may feel warm between the chest and head, and their skin may turn reddish. Hot flashes can last from a few seconds to an hour, and are more common at night.

Though hormone replacement therapy was once widely recommended for menopausal women, recent studies have shown that the treatment can raise the risks of heart attack and breast cancer. Still, some doctors may prescribe hormones temporarily to women with severe symptoms.

Some other options:

* Avoid alcohol and caffeine
* Stop smoking
* Dress in layers
* Keep room temperatures cool
* Wear fabrics that allow the body to ñbreatheî (e.g. cotton)
* Use cotton or silk sheets
* Drink cold water
* Avoid spicy foods
* Exercise to improve sleep, boost mood and reduce stress
* If you are bothered by hot flashes or mood disturbances, talk with your doctor about whether antidepressants may help.

Source: AAFP, Mayo Clinic, NAMS