Menopause: Symptoms, Stages, and What Can Help

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life. The body undergoes hormonal changes; the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, and eventually, menstruation stops. This change does not happen overnight, but takes place over several years. Some women go through menopause with almost no symptoms. Others experience noticeable changes: hot flashes, sweating, sleep problems, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, or dry mucous membranes. The severity of these symptoms varies greatly from person to person.