The word “menopause” literally translated is “end of cycles” and signifies the stage in a woman’s life where her reproductive capability ends. For the bulk of women, this is first noticed in the mid-40s. At this time, the female ovaries begin producing decreasing amounts of certain sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is the hormone which controls ovulation whereas progesterone controls menstruation; which are the two key aspects of the female menstrual cycle.

Pre-menopause is regarded as the time period leading up to a woman’s last menstrual cycle during which her hormone levels are reducing. Post-menopause, conversely, is the period of time following the women’s last period in which she is no longer ovulating. However, postmenopausal women also experience fluctuating hormone levels and hormone withdrawal symptoms may also be apparent during this time. Menopause in its most common form is referred to as “natural” menopause and is part of the normal female aging process. Menopause is surgically induced as well through removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tubes, typically in a hysterectomy operation. The surgical removal of the ovaries predictably causes a dramatic reduction in hormone production and can exacerbate the effects.

Menopause frequently is also manifest in a number of mental and emotional symptoms in conjunction with its onset, due to the suddenly moderating levels of natural hormones in the body. These effects are not universal and they are present in varying levels among individuals. Certain of these symptoms include reduced energy levels, an irregular heartbeat and sudden body temperature fluctuations. Psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, memory loss and irritability can be a problem for some women.

The symptoms of menopause can be treated with drugs through hormone replacement therapy or HRT. In this type of treatment, hormones including estrogens and progesterone are injected to minimize the effect of menopause by moderating the level of hormones to reduce the effects. In addition to this form of therapy, antidepressants, such as Prozac, have been administered to reduce the mental and emotional symptoms of menopause. Also, lifestyle modifications can be utilized to reduce the symptoms as well. This includes exercise, meditation, reducing alcoholic and caffeinated beverages and avoiding hot spicy foods.