Menopause happens when a woman stops having her period thus sealing the end of her fertile years.
Because of the decrease levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones, she can no longer conceive and give birth.
Menopause occurs in average at the age of 50 but the range can vary from age 46 to 56.
An early menopause can happen as a result of faulty hormone levels or when a woman has her ovaries surgically removed for medical reasons among other causes.
For most women, menopause occurs over a period of a couple of months or years and is characterized by symptoms such as: Hot flashes which can be disturbing.
A menopause woman can prevent feeling bad during those hot flashes by wearing proper clothing and having layers of clothes she can "peel off".
It is also recommended to sleep in sheets that do not retain body heat such as flannel or wool sheets.
Cotton sheets will insure a more comfortable night's sleep.
A woman experiencing menopause's hot flashes should not hesitate to crack open a window to be more comfortable.
Weight gain is not unavoidable in menopause.
After consulting with her physician, a woman in menopause should make it a daily habit of moving around by walking, dancing or swimming.
Mood swings are said to be common in peri-menopause and menopause but a woman can prevent them by insuring that everyday, she experiences positive experiences and enjoys her opportunity to have more free time.
Depression is more common in women during their menopause years, due in part to hormone imbalance, the physical symptoms they are feeling and the grieving of the end of being able to give life.
A woman in her menopause years suffering from depression should be followed by the appropriate medical and psychological personnel.
Fatigue is more common during the menopause years for a woman.
It is an opportunity to exercise well and adopt a good life style with good eating habits and proper resting periods.
Vaginal dryness is also common during menopause and can be addressed by a qualified medical staff.
In a related way, urinary problems can be more frequent during menopause.
It is a very good idea to drink eight to ten glasses of water per day and do Kegel exercises to keep the urinary track functioning properly.
Insomnia is more common during the peri-menopause years.
Again a good healthy life style with proper diet, exercising and relaxation can help greatly.
A sense of uselessness can be felt by a woman going through menopause.
Hence, having lost her care-giver role as a mother, some women might feel isolated.
Calling back old friends and getting together can be a great way to restart enjoying life.
Another good way is to join like-minded women who are also going through menopause, or have successfully gone through it, either by joining a local group or a chatting forum.
Great friendships have started this way.