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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period.

Menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Even so, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can disrupt your sleep, sap your energy and — at least indirectly — trigger feelings of sadness and loss.

Even though menopause is not a disease, you shouldn't hesitate to seek treatment for severe symptoms. Many effective treatments are available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.

References
  1. Bradshaw KD. Menopausal transition. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3158526. Accessed June 15, 2011.
  2. Manson JE, et al. The menopausal transition and postmenopausal hormone therapy. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2881945. Accessed June 15, 2011.
  3. Menopause. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/menopause.htm. Accessed June 15, 2011.
  4. Cedars MI, et al. Menopause. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:725.
  5. Col NF, et al. In the clinic: Menopause. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2009;150:ITC4.
  6. Gass MLS. Menopause. In: Hillard PJA. The 5-Minute Obstetrics and Gynecology Consult. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:292.
  7. National Institutes of Health state-of-the-science conference statement: Management of menopause-related symptoms. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2005;142:1003.
  8. Cohen BE, et al. Feasibility and acceptability of restorative yoga for treatment of hot flushes: A pilot trial. Maturitas: The European Menopause Journal. 2007;56:198.
  9. Chattha R, et al. Treating the climacteric symptoms in Indian women with an integrated approach to yoga therapy: A randomized control study. Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society. 2008;15:862.
  10. Innes KE, et al. Mind-body therapies for menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Maturitas. 2010;66:135.
DS00119 July 23, 2011

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