All about menopause

THE menopause is a natural event that occurs in all women. It is the permanent cessation of periods (menstruation) as a result of the loss of activity of the ovaries and can only be said to have occurred only after 12 months without spontaneous menstruation.  

Physical and other changes occur in the years leading up to the menopause. Most of the changes are normal and are related to the menopause. Others are more related to ageing and may, in some women, be associated with illness, as many conditions that are not related to the menopause e.g. hypertension; diabetes, obesity, etc. are diagnosed about the time of the menopause.