Learn about menopause

Menopause Drugs and Medications

There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications available to treat the symptoms of menopause. This article focuses on treatments for the 3 most common symptoms and complications: hot flashes, bone loss, and vaginal dryness.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits During Menopause

You can't avoid menopause. And in most cases, you can't avoid the symptoms associated with it. But the good news is that there are ways you can minimize—or even prevent—the bothersome side effects of this transition. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking are the best ways to do so.

Alternative and Natural Treatments for Menopause

Alternative or natural medicine may help reduce menopause symptoms. Despite the lack of the scientific foundation of conventional medicine, many people are strong proponents of alternative medicine—and for a variety of reasons.

Menopause Complications

The physical changes that occur before and during menopause may be bothersome, but they're a normal part of the menopause transition. However, your risk for more serious complications increases after you reach menopause—during the postmenopause stage.

Confirming Menopause

Most women are aware when menopause is approaching—even without a doctor's diagnosis. This is because menopause has very obvious signs and symptoms, including hot flashes and abnormal menstrual periods.

Menopause Causes

Every woman experiences menopause, but not every woman reaches menopause the same way. In most cases, menopause is a result of the natural aging process, but menopause has other causes. Certain medical procedures and rare ovarian conditions can also trigger it.

Menopause Symptoms

Menopause officially occurs after 12 consecutive missed menstrual periods. But you'll recognize the symptoms long before then. The time before menopause, known as perimenopause, is actually when you'll experience most of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause.

Menopause Overview

Menopause officially occurs a year after a woman's last menstrual period and marks the end of fertility. This can signify any number of things to women—some find it very difficult; others view it as a cause for celebration. But regardless how you feel about reaching menopause, understand that it is not a disease or disorder.

Menopause FAQ

What is menopause? Menopause officially occurs a year after a woman's last menstrual period and marks the end of fertility. It is not a disease or disorder. It is a naturally occurring process that every woman experiences.

Menopause Facts and Tips

Menopause is not a disease or disorder.

Learn about menopause

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