Menopause

Menopause refers to the time in a woman's life when she stops having a menstrual period and is no longer fertile.

Some symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, lack of sleep, mood changes, and loss of bone density.

In the natural process of menopause, a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and making the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Women typically notice the signs and symptoms of menopause without a formal diagnosis from their healthcare provider.

Menopause is a normal part of aging and every woman goes through it. It can't be prevented and normally doesn't require treatment.

NICHD conducts and supports research on menopause and on many disorders associated with menopause.

NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to menopause.

Find answers to other common questions about menopause, such as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), benefits and risks of MHT, and alternative remedies to relieve menopause symptoms.

Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about menopause.