Women report a range of experiences, depending on their individual circumstances. Here are some common myths about menopause, followed by the facts. Menopause is always a highly stressful and upsetting illness that causes suffering and requires medical treatment. Menopause usually occurs around age 50 in American women. Many might experience changes in their menstrual cycles for a few years before that.
Hot flashes are a response to the change from higher to lower levels of estrogen in the body.
Research shows that about three-quarters of women going through natural menopause have mild or significant hot flashes, which usually go away in a year or two. Night sweats and mild insomnia might also occur. Other physical changes that happen at the same time are not necessarily part of menopause and should be evaluated by a health care practitioner. Many women experience little discomfort. Menopause causes depression and anxiety.