Menopause

• permanent cessation of menstrual periods (12 months of amenorrhea without any other obvious pathological or physiological cause)
• Median age 51
• Peri-menopause (about four years before the final menstrual period)

Symptoms

• irregular menstrual cycles
• hot flashes
• sleep disturbances
• mood symptoms
• depression
  
• vaginal dryness / diminished pubic hair
• joint pain
• migraines

Treatment

• Estrogen therapy
• Progestin therapy must be added for women with their intact uterus to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma