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. Some studies that have tracked women for several years before, during, and after menopause have found that depression does not occur more often during menopause. Other events that might occur during midlife, such as divorce, the death of a spouse or parent, children leaving home, and parents needing care, might be stressful and cause some women to become depressed. Negative social attitudes toward aging women also might contribute to feelings of loss and depression. Menopause is an estrogen-deficiency disease.