Menopause literally means the cessation of menstruation, but we think of it as the transition, usually between ages 48 and 52, when physical and psychological changes occur as a result of reduced production of estrogen and other hormones. If a woman has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months, she is usually considered to be through menopause. It may take several years of frustrating start-and-stop menstruation before a woman finally makes it through an entire year without having a period. During menopause the ovaries continue to shrink and produce fewer follicles (eggs) therefore manufacturing less hormonesÑthe estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. Common menopause symptoms stem from the reduction of these hormones, plus less DHEA, pregnenalone, thyroid hormones, and human growth hormones.

The use of natural bioidentical hormones can help ease a woman's passage through menopause but they do not prevent menopause from occurring.

 The typical symptoms of menopause are:

• Insomnia
  
• Hot flashes/night sweats
  
• Fatigue
  
• Weight gain
  
• Vaginal dryness
  
• Depression
  
• Moodiness
  
• Anger
  
• Loss of sex drive
  
• Involuntary urine loss
  
• Joint and muscle pain/aches
  
• Brain fog, mental confusion
  
• Loss of zest for life