Menopause is defined as the absence of periods for 12 months. The change in a woman’s hormone levels and bleeding patterns associated with the years prior (the peri-menopause), can be troublesome for some. Many simple interventions are available to relieve these problems if desired. Sometimes a simple explanation is enough.
Hormone replacement is an option for control of severe symptoms. The risks and benefits need to be thoroughly explored for each individual; and then reviewed as time progresses. Symptoms generally settle within 5 years of the onset of menopause in many women.