The hormone changes that happen around menopause affect every woman differently. Some of these changes may lead to:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Trouble sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Sexual problems
• Mood changes
• Forgetfulness
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Joint aches and pain

Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some women may not experience any noticeable symptoms, while others may feel as if they are experiencing every listed symptom of menopause.

Symptoms can last for a few months or for several years and are caused by changes in the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Women are usually in their late 40s or early 50s when the menopause transition starts. However, an earlier menopause can be the result of surgery, cancer treatment, or family genetics.

If you have had a hysterectomy, whereby both ovaries have been removed (bilateral oophorectomy), you will reach menopause right away. 

You can prevent hot flashes by avoiding known triggers, such as:

• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Stress

Keep a fan in your home or workplace and try taking slow, deep breaths when you feel a hot flash starting.

Lower estrogen around the time of menopause leads to bone loss in women. Bone loss can cause bones to weaken, which can cause bones to break more easily. When bones weaken a lot, the condition is called osteoporosis.

To keep your bones strong, women need weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, climbing stairs, or using weights. You can also protect bone health by eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, or if needed, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Not smoking also helps protect your bones.

Yes. After menopause, women are more likely to have cardiovascular problems, like heart attacks and strokes. Changes in estrogen levels may be part of the cause, but so is getting older.

That’s because as you get older, you may gain weight and develop other health problems that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Ask your doctor about important tests like those for cholesterol and high blood pressure.