Menopause is an important event in the aging process for all women. This physical transition from the reproductive years to non-reproductive years is clinically defined as having had no menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but it can be affected by such factors as smoking, alcohol use, having irregular cycles in the decade prior to menopause (all associated with earlier age at menopause), and mother’s age at menopause.
While some women never experience any discomfort during menopause, the majority of women do. Hot flashes are the most common complaint, occurring in 70 percent to 85 percent of women. Night sweats are also common, and can be especially troubling for some women. Night sweats can occur several times each night and frequently cause interrupted sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and mood disturbances. Other signs of menopause include heart palpitations, urinary symptoms such as incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness, low libido, headaches, anxiety, and poor memory or “fuzzy” thinking. Read more »