Menopause is defined as the absence of menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months in the absence of another medical reason. It is a natural transition period for every woman, connecting her reproductive age with senium. It results from ovarian follicular depletion. The rate at which the number of follicles in the ovaries decreases is genetically determined. Each woman could orient herself to the age of her menopause by her mother’s age of onset. The average age is 51.4 years. However, socio-behavioral factors are also known to play a role, such as smoking, which can accelerate the processes of follicular depletion and menopause can occur about 1 year earlier. About 4 years before the onset of the last menstruation, the woman’s body begins changes related to the decreasing estrogen production from the ovaries. In the so-called premenopausal period about ¾ of women have complaints. In only 20-25% of women, the climacteric period (a general term including the time before and after menopause) is asymptomatic. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is most characteristic of the premenopausal period. The reason for their appearance is the lack of ovulation as a result of altered estrogen secretion. The occurrence of bleeding is unpredictable. Oligomenorrhea (prolongation of the menstrual cycle) is more common. Definitive amenorrhea occurs once the follicular pool is completely depleted and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels remain persistently elevated for the rest of a woman’s life. Changes in the hormonal profile before and after menopause also affect other organs and systems. For example, reduced estrogen levels also affect hormone-dependent tissues such as the vagina and external genitalia. They are also responsible for the reduced elasticity of the skin, the redistribution of fatty tissue and the thickening of facial hair. In menopausal women, there is often a change in sexual function. The most common problem is dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Its cause is vaginal atrophy, occurring in 10-40% of postmenopausal women. Thinning of the epithelium and loss of vaginal elasticity lead to narrowing and shortening of the vagina. In addition, the vaginal secretion decreases, the pH becomes more alkaline, which leads to a change in the flora and an increased risk of infections. NEWS_MORE_BOX The most characteristic of the period “hot flashes” occur in about 80% of menopausal women. They are described as a brief sensation of intense warmth, accompanied by sweating in the upper part of the body. They are accompanied by flushing, restlessness and palpitations, with 1/3 of women reporting at least 10 such episodes daily. In a greater percentage of cases, they occur only in the first 1 year after menopause, but 50% of women report their presence 4 years later, and 10% after 12 years. Hormonal changes can also affect cognitive function.According to some authors, cognitive disorders are a manifestation of depression, which is often associated with the menopause period or are a consequence of disturbed sleep quality as a result of nocturnal “warm waves”. Of great medical importance is the role of reduced estrogen levels on bone mineral loss. In a study including the period of 1 year before and 2 years after the onset of menopause, bone mineral loss was found to be 7.4%. The studied period is associated with the most rapid loss of bone mass. Decreased estrogen production in postmenopausal women causes activation of the cells responsible for bone breakdown (osteoclasts) and increased bone resorption. This leads to a decrease in bone mass and the appearance of osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. Therefore, bone density testing is recommended for postmenopausal women over 65 years of age. In addition, all postmenopausal women should consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. It is recommended to consume 100 g of cheese and 1 cup of yogurt daily and at least once a week fatty fish, such as mackerel, tuna or salmon.