Years preceding menopause, the ovaries with less efficient, resulting in irregular menses and intense. Eventually, the ovaries stop functioning and menstruation stops. Moreover, the pattern previously regular the monthly menstrual cycle becomes erratic. In particular, estrogen levels fluctuate, producing hot flushes, sweats and various other nocturnal symptoms.

Most women fits to these changes smoothly and some celebrate their new freedom - free from the burden the monthly curse and the fear of unwanted pregnancy. For others not so easy, and independent of the benefits treatment of self-help, some may need medical help.

Hormonal changes

From puberty until menopause, a woman's body follows regular hormonal cycles - the monthly menses. The levels of the female hormone, estrogen, increase during the initial part of the cycle, stimulating the growth of the egg that is released from one of the two ovaries in the middle of the cycle. After ovulation, estrogen, along with another hormone, Progesterone stimulates the thickening of the lining uterus in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Failure be that an egg fertilized by sperm, it will die and a period will follow and menstrual egg and coat if uterine.

With approaching menopause, the production ova in the ovary and hormones that the menstrual cycle becomes increasingly more irregular visit at

Symptoms of menopause

The Most but not all symptoms of menopause is directly related to fluctuating levels of estrogen.

All month between puberty and menopause, an ovum mature is released and the uterine lining becomes thicker, ready for implantation of the egg fertilized. If the egg is not fertilized, is eliminated during menstruation.

Irregular periods
That is usually the first sign of menopause. As the ovaries become erratic in the production of estrogen and progesterone, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Typically, initially reduces the cycle 28 days to 21-25 days. Then, the cycle extends, with occasional periods absent. The period itself changes, sometimes short and thin. Few cycles result in release of an egg and therefore fertility declines. However, you can still get pregnant; therefore, you should continue using adequate contraception for a year or more after the last menstrual period.

Hot Flashes and night sweats

The hot flushes usually start at around 47 or 48 years and, for most women, lasting about two three years. In some cases, flares begin earlier, sometimes in the late 30's and early 40 years, and can continue for five or ten years, 25% of women still have occasional flares after more than five years.

The hot flushes and sweats are the most common symptoms of menopause and affect 75% of women. In the early stages of menopause, hot flushes and sweats can occur only in the previous week menstruation, when estrogen levels naturally fall. Eventually, estrogen levels fluctuate throughout cycle and flares happen at any time.

Some women feel when the hot flush is about to begin, usually with a feeling of increased pressure in the head. Within minutes the flushing head and rises quickly to neck, spreading to the shoulders and chest, usually causing great discomfort and embarrassment.

The flushes usually last a few seconds but can persist for about 15 minutes, repeating several times during day. You can see the sweat or palpitations and feel weak or faint. Night sweats may be particularly serious, disturbing the sleep, some women have to exchange a sweater or even when they wake up drenched sheets sweat.