Q: What is menopause?
 

A: Menopause is the cessation of a woman's period for one full year; the ovaries produce lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone and the end of childbearing. The average age of menopause is 51.
 

A: This is the years, generally between 35-48 when hormone level drops and women are beginning to experience the transition. Both menopause and perimenopause are often termed menopause, and symptoms are basically the same.
 

Q: What are the symptoms of menopause?
 

A: Some of the symptoms are mood swings, changes with your periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood swings.
 

Q: What is a hot flash?
 

A: When a woman's body is undergoing fluctuating hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause it affects the mid-brain hypothalamus which controls the body's heat thermosat. Hot flashes feel like a rush of intense heat which often starts in the upper part of the neck and face, or may be felt all over the body, and usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.
 

Q. Can women become pregnant during perimenopause?
 

A: Yes, but its less likely as ovulation, the period when women can conceive, has become irregular. Until a woman goes without a period for one full year, precautions to avoid an unwanted pregnancy should still be taken.
 

Q: How long will my symptoms last?
 

A: The symptoms varies from women to women. It can last between 6 months to 2 years.
 

Q: Will I experience a change in sexual desire after menopause?
 

A: Lower estrogen levels may sometimes cause physical changes in a woman's sexual organs and make sex painful or uncomfortable. Some symptoms may be vaginal dryness, or a lack of sex desire. Over the counter vaginal creams and balancing the hormones can help restore sexual desire. Be sure to check with your doctor, if you have further questions or concerns about your physical changes.
 

Q: My eating habits are the same but I have noticed a weight gain. Is this due to menopause?
 

A: The body's metabolism slows as we get older, and changes during and after menopause. Eating sensibly and exercising will help to keep the weight down and your body healthy
 

Q: Why does the risk of osteporosis increase during the onset of menopause?
 

A: Estrogen has a role in the absorption of calcium in your body and when estrogen declines at the onset of menopause, the bones absorb less calcium which may lead to porosity of the bones which are "holes" or "air pockets" resembling a sponge; bones become brittle and can easily break. Per studies, taking a supplement of at least 1,500 milligrams of calcium will aid in strengthening your bones.
 

Q: I notice my memory is not as clear as it used to be. Should I be concerned?
 

As women age, their memory may not be as sharp as it once was. Some women complain of "fuzzy" thinking or getting forgetful such as forgetting their car keys or lose the trail the end of a conversation. This could be caused by changing hormones and the stress it places upon the body, but it can improve over time. However, if your memory problems are very bad, see your doctor for a proper evaluation.
 

Q: I have heard some women are taking HRT and others are using natural approaches to managing menopause. I am confused as to which treatments may be good for me.
 

A: Women were using HRT for years until clinical data has showed a significant increase in breast cancer and strokes. It is for this reason an interest in using a natural approach has increased with the new generation of women in menopause.

As Dr. Weil has said in Times.com Magazine interview,"menopause is a natural phase of life, not a glandular malfunction requiring treatment. Symptoms of menopause, if severe, may require treatment, and natural therapies are available." Eating sensibly, exercising, and using natural progesterone to balance the hormones, and a good vitamin supplementation will ease not only the transition, but create life long healthy patterns of self care.