By Elisabeth Bergman; Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

Simply put, menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops. It is a normal condition that all women experience as they age. Menopause occurs when the ovaries no longer produce an egg every month, menstruation stops and she can no longer get pregnant.

A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row—though there are other causes that are not menopause, such as pregnancy or illness, for this change. Prior to menopause the two hormones made in the ovaries—estrogen and progesterone—begin to drop to low levels. This change often happens between the ages of 45 and 55 years old.

As you near menopause, you may have symptoms as a result of the changes taking place in your body and the fluctuations in these hormones. Many women wonder if these changes are normal, and many are confused about how to treat their symptoms. To make the transition easier, learn all you can about menopause and talk with your doctor about your health and your symptoms.