Menopause  & Survivor's Guide

Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.

The potential symptoms include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Hot flashes and skin flushing
• Insomnia
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
• Night sweats
• Spotting of blood in between periods
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal infections

In addition, the long-term effects of menopause include:

• Bone loss and eventual osteoporosis
• Changes in cholesterol levels and greater risk of heart disease