The menopause is a time of change usually around the ages of 45 - 55 when periods become irregular and eventually stop. It happens when levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone produced from the ovaries drop significantly.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Irregular periods.
- Hot flushes.
- Night sweats and sleeplessness.
- Headaches, forgetfulness, irritability, feeling low and emotional.
Menopausal symptoms can be relieved by eating a healthy balanced diet, staying active, learning how to relax and avoiding smoking. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way of replacing lost hormones to counteract the effects of the menopause and can help ease uncomfortable symptoms.