This next natural step occurs when the patient's ovaries cease producing the hormone estrogen. The drop in estrogen levels then prompts menstrual cycles to cease as well. Menopause can also be bumped into action from any other action that causes the ovaries to cease its functions such as having a woman's ovaries removed.

Symptoms of menopause can be medial to severe depending on the woman. The most distinguishable symptom is hot flashes, termed as such because of the unexpected flashes of heat and sweating that can come at any time. These hot flashes can get so intense on occasion that they can distract and disturb the patient from normal daily habits such as sleep cycles. Other symptoms can include mood swings, irregular periods, vaginal or urinary infections, incontinence problems, and/or some problems with sexual activities. Sometimes women can notice slight variations in skin, digestive systems and hair due to fluctuating hormone levels. Low levels of estrogen can also attribute to risk of osteoporosis and heart disease in some women.

There is no cure for this natural occurrence, but there are new and developing programs such as hormone replacement therapy that can be used to help women who want to cease menopause. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking hormone replacement therapy as some doctors recommend against it in cases where ovarian cancer runs in the family. Often a doctor will recommend natural progesterone to help with symptoms of menopause.