by Diane Quinn

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Menopause is a time of change that should not be feared. How is menopause defined? It is the time when a woman ceases to have any menstrual period for at least a year. Menopausal symptoms occur when hormonal levels are out of balance, and specifically, estrogen levels drop.

Estrogen and progesterone, and to a lesser extent testosterone, are the primary female sex hormones. During a woman's menstrual years, hormones take turns controlling the maturity and release of her egg and preparing the uterus for a possible pregnancy. Around the time of ovulation, testosterone pumps up her sex drive. If there is no pregnancy, a menstrual cycle resumes and the cycle starts again. This is the optimum way hormones work in balance.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is often the reason that some women, sometimes even in their late 30's, feel symptoms similar to menopause. It is not unusual for this to happen, even 10-15 years before a woman's menstrual cycle actually stops completely.

Perimenopause symptoms are the same as the onset of regular menopause. However, it is important to check with your doctor to rule out other medical conditions. A pregnancy is possible during perimenopause.

There is a wealth of menopause information and treatment available when a woman begins to experience any of these common symptoms:

* Hot flashes, night sweats
* Sleep disorders such as insomnia
* Mood swings, irritability, depression
* Decreased libido, vaginal dryness
* Fuzzy thinking, decreased or impaired memory and attention
* Increased food cravings, weight gain, and difficulty controlling blood sugar
* Joint and muscle symptoms, including inflammation
* Dizziness or headaches
* Breast tenderness, cysts or nipple discharge
* Hair loss, unwanted facial hair, dry eyes, skin, hair or midlife acne

Want some good news after reading this list? You will not experience them all!

What are the most popular prescription, natural and menopause herbal treatments?

Hormone therapy: Estrogen therapy is considered the most effective in providing menopausal relief from hot flashes. "Premarin" (with side effects) also has proven bone density benefits.

Low-dose antidepressants: They have been shown to decrease hot flashes.

Certain drugs approved to treat seizures also have helped reduce hot flashes.

High blood pressure drugs (with side effects): They help reduce hot flashes.

Bisphosphonates: These nonhormonal medications may be recommended to prevent osteoporosis.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): This group of drugs

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