Menopause is a natural part of aging that occurs on average at age 51, though genetics and lifestyle factors can affect the age of onset. The most common symptoms are hot flashes and night sweats, which can cause sleep problems. While hormone replacement therapy was traditionally used to treat symptoms, recent studies found increased health risks. Alternative treatments being studied for effectiveness include phytoestrogens from soy and other plants, vitamin E, botanicals like black cohosh, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise modifications.