Today women live to an average age of seventy-eight. Life expectancy in the 19th century was age fifty. Once a woman reached menopause, it was expected that she would soon die. Well, some women still feel that way. This loss of estrogen causes the typical symptoms of menopause.
Some symptoms can begin as early as age forty.
This often accompanies a hysterectomy, especially if the woman is over forty years old. In some cases a gender disorder, which can be handed down from mother to daughter, can cause premature ovarian failure. Those infamous hot flashes usually last between three and six minutes and may occur up to several times a day. Hot flashes can be disabling and physically draining. They can be associated with profuse sweating and can be quite embarrassing.