Menopause occurs when a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases. The accompanying hormonal changes result in the symptoms that accompany menopause, some of which are physical in nature, but there can also be emotional discomfort as well. Some of the indications that menopause may be about to start are irregular periods that vary between a heavy and light flow, as well as some of the other beginning symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. The transitional stage that precedes actual menopause is called perimenopause. The age that perimenopause often starts is between 40 to 45. However, some women experience some of the beginning symptoms as early as age 35.

There have been studies that seem to indicate that various factors in a woman’s life can bring on menopause earlier than normal. Increased stress levels, as well as the various environmental toxins that are ever-present are often to blame, as is the fact that women often smoke. Smoking as a general rule is thought to bring on perimenopause approximately two or three years earlier than what would be considered normal for a woman.

The hot flashes and night sweats that many women experience can be quite uncomfortable. These are triggered by hormonal changes, and can cause sleeping problems. Menopause and its symptoms can also cause a good deal of stress, especially if the symptoms are especially severe. Many women also experience changes in their libido level. This can sometimes be caused by the fact that intercourse becomes somewhat painful because the hormone changes in the body’s level of estrogen can make the vagina dry or irritated. This can reduce a woman’s desire for sex. A woman’s mood swings, which often increase during menopause, can also factor into their desire for sex.

Since menopause is a natural part of the body’s aging process, there really is not a specific or necessary treatment for it. Some women do have pronounced symptoms that can be helped by certain types of prescribed medications. However, most women can handle menopause adequately by trying to live as healthy of a life as possible, and finding ways to reduce stress and manage the symptoms without any type of medical intervention. Light exercise often helps, not only because of the physical benefits, but also because exercise can reduce stress levels and can improve one’s mood.

To help women deal with the symptoms of menopause, especially if they are severe, doctors sometimes prescribe various types of hormone replacement drugs. While these drugs can be effective for some women, they do have some negative side effects of their own, such as possibly water retention, and possibly even an increase in some symptoms. If a woman wishes to try either synthetic or natural hormone replacement therapy during menopause, she should discuss the options with her doctor.

This author writes about a variety of health topics and is especially interested in women’s health issues including menopause and perimenopause. Please visit Signs of Menopause Guide for additional information.