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As women approach menopause, some look forward to being freed from the monthly menstruation, but some have trepidations about potential menopausal problems.

Menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, and is said to have occurred when menstruation has ceased for 12 months. However, the hormonal fluctuations start up to 10 years before menopause; therefore, symptoms may present in the peri-menopausal period. As hormone levels decrease, symptoms of menopause may emerge, although their presentation and severity varies greatly between individuals. The most common symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, irritability, mood swings and depression. Many symptoms resolve with simple dietary and lifestyle changes, the addition of a daily supplement or local therapy, while some may require hormonal therapy.