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Menopause is when a woman’s menstrual period stops permanently. Periods can stop for a while and then start again, so a woman is considered to have been through menopause only after one year without periods. Read on to learn what to expect and ways to stay strong and healthy in the years around menopause.
Topics
Menopause basics
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Early menopause (premature menopause)
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Symptom relief and treatments
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Menopause and sexuality
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Menopause and mental health
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Women's thoughts on menopause"Menopause for me was a welcomed friend. The years of cramps and bloating have ended." — Norma M. "My experience with menopause has been good. I had heard many horror stories and have been surprised. After a year, my hot flashes have subsided. Menopause has been a good experience for me, and I hope it continues to be." — Karen C. "Coming through this change of life is challenging because it is something one does alone. The temperature changes, the mood changes, and the weight changes are irritating. I should care about exercise and choosing healthy foods more, but find it difficult." — Anonymous "I am treating my menopause as an experience. I take the time to laugh at reactions like hot flashes and even mood swings. Doing this makes them not so bad, and my life much easier." — Michele |
Fact sheets
Features
- Aging
- Heart health and stroke
- How to get a second opinion (PDF, 262 KB)
- How to talk to your doctor or nurse (PDF, 193 KB)
- Menopause symptom tracker (PDF, 166 KB) – Print out our tracking chart and take it with you when you visit your doctor. Together, you can work on how to handle your symptoms.
- Screening tests and vaccines
Content last updated September 29, 2010.
Resources last updated September 29, 2010.
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Menopause news
- July 11, 2012 - Diet, Weight Loss Ease Menopause Symptoms: Study
- July 9, 2012 - Medical Groups Agree on Use of Hormone-Replacement Therapy
- June 29, 2012 - Hot Flashes Don't Signal Poor Heart Health for Most Women: Study
- June 4, 2012 - Health Tip: Exercise Can Help Manage Menopause
- May 30, 2012 - Health Tip: Eat Right During Menopause
- April 25, 2012 - Early Menopause Tied to Osteoporosis in 29-Year Study
A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.200 Independence Avenue, S.W. • Washington, DC 20201
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womenshealth.gov
A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
200 Independence Avenue, S.W. • Washington, DC 20201