The menopause or a woman's change of life is a perfectly normal event which occurs in the mid or late forties. It signifies the end of the female reproductive period of life which commenced at adolescence in the early teens. There are several misconceptions about menopause.

During menopause, many women may feel that they are growing old and that they are well past their full physical vigor. Others may feel that menopause brings a cessation of sexual pleasure; however these apprehensions are far from true. It may be considered an end of childbearing but certainly not to her virility. It will not decrease a woman's sexual vigor or physical capacity or enjoyment.

The entire chain of endocrine glands is disturbed during menopause, particularly the thyroid, gonads and pituitary. The menopausal change takes place without any unpleasant symptoms in a really healthy woman. However due to dietetic errors and a faulty style of living, there are many women who do not enjoy good health.

In these cases, the menopausal change often leads to all kinds of distressing physical, emotional, nervous symptoms and manifestations. Hot flashes, night sweats, nervous tension, menstrual disturbances, insomnia, diminished interest in sex, irritability and depression are the typical symptoms of menopause. Other symptoms are chilly feelings, fatigue, palpitation, dizziness, headaches and numbness.

Fortunately these severe reactions will not occur in very women. The severity or otherwise of the symptoms depend on a variety of factors such as previous surgery, general health and radiation. Generally, menopause and its problems will over when menstruation stops.

The annoying menopause symptoms occur when the ovaries are no longer producing their normal amount of estrogen and the dominant female hormone. Anything that interferes with the normal functioning of the ovaries may also cause these symptoms happen. The same strange feelings may occur as the ovaries are removed by surgery. This can also happen from the use of radiation or heavy X-ray therapy.

A severe backache may also caused by a lack of normal hormone balance. This is happened when the bones are thinning and arising from the low level of estrogen in the bloodstream. This may eventually lead to a collapse of one or more of the vertebrae unless properly treated.