This document provides an overview of menopause including:
- Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation due to loss of ovarian activity, usually between ages 45-55.
- It involves four phases: pre-menopause, peri-menopause, menopausal phase, and post-menopausal phase.
- Physiological changes that occur include increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, urinary issues, and genital changes like dryness.
- Treatments include lifestyle changes, supplements, and hormone replacement therapy using estrogen and/or progesterone.