Menopause is a natural period of a woman’s life, which is characterized by a decrease in the functions of the ovaries and the release of estrogen from them. As a result of the decrease in estrogen in the body, the level of the other sex hormone – progesterone – also decreases. These hormonal changes affect a woman’s fertility. The onset of menopause is between 45-55 years of age, and in some individual cases it occurs earlier or later. Menopause does not happen suddenly. The condition develops over years, with several distinct stages. ~ Premenopause is the reproductive period of a woman, from the first to the last menstruation in her life. 1. Perimenopause are the years that precede menopause consecutively. In this period, the first symptoms characteristic of menopause in women appear. It lasts from 2 to 6 years, with onset usually beginning after age 45. 2. Menopause is the period of the last menstruation when a woman finally loses her fertility. A distinguishing mark by which it can be judged about its occurrence is when there is no menstruation for 12 months. However, menopause can be premature or induced. While the naturally occurring menopause is due to the aging of the body and the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases, the induced one occurs as a result of applied therapy due to an illness. Of such a nature are hysterectomy – removal of the uterus, oophorectomy – removal of the ovaries, radiotherapy, etc. Premature menopause is considered to occur before the age of 40. The reasons for the early depletion of ovarian reserve in younger women are still being sought by medical science. 3. Postmenopause begins after the end of the last menstruation. The decline in the production of sex hormones in this period places the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis in the woman. NEWS_MORE_BOX 4. Symptoms that may indicate menopause is approaching and occurring include: hot flashes, night sweats, depression, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, dry skin and hair, weight gain, vaginal dryness, bone loss fullness, altered libido, lack of pleasure from sex. To confirm the onset of menopause, diagnostic tests are performed: measuring the level of estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone.