The menopause, or the 'Change of Life' as it is often described, is a time of change for women. The term 'menopause' stands for the last menstrual period, but in general it is used to describe the period prior to actual menopause, characterised by typical symptoms such as hot flushes 
, night time sweats, palpitations and mood swings.
Menopause is a natural process that every woman goes through. On average menopause starts between 45-55 years of age, but it can occur at any point in time from the onset of menstruation.
In the years leading up to menopause, a woman's ovaries start to function less efficiently. The levels of oestrogen and progesterone, hormones produced by the ovaries, will rise and fall. These changing hormone levels cause the symptoms of menopause. Symptoms last from 6 to 12 years. Eventually the ovaries stop functioning, resulting in the cessation of menstruation.
No matter what age you are, having a hysterectomy, in which the womb and both ovaries are removed, causes the menopause to happen instantly. Also, if the ovaries are destroyed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, this can bring on an immediate menopause. The symptoms of the menopause may be more severe when the menopause takes place prematurely or abruptly.
