Natural menopause is age related, occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, the average age being 51, and is due to declining ovarian function.
Declining ovarian function before the age of 40 causes premature menopause.
Artificial menopause is caused by the surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), due to ovarian disease, or by radiation of the ovaries, or to the implantation of radium in the uterus, due to malignancy.
As estrogen declines, which it can between the ages of 40-58, a variety of symptoms will ensue.
These symptoms generally are fewer menstrual cycles, irregularity of menstrual cycles, hot flashes, emotional and mood swings.
The decline in estrogen levels will cause other serious problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
The decline in estrogen may be due to genetic factors.
If the mother had it, the daughter can have it.
Smoking can be a precipitating factor in the onset of decreasing estrogen levels.
Understanding the full impact of menopause requires a more detailed explanation of the symptoms involved.
In some cases the symptoms may be absent, and in other cases may be quite severe.
These symptoms can last for a few days or for many years.
Menstrual Cycles: Absence of menstrual cycle (amenorrhea).
Very light, infrequent or irregular menstrual cycles (oligomenorrhea).
Heavy menstrual cycle (menorrhagia).
Vaginal and Urinary: Dryness, with itching that at times can be severe.
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
Urinary tract infections that can occur frequently.
Leaking urine (incontinence).
Can increase vaginal bleeding.
Hot Flashes: Night sweats (causing difficulty in sleeping).
Excessive sweating, that can occur spontaneously.
Generalized Symptoms: Itching, usually generalized.
Headaches.
Osteoporosis, leading to: Joint pain, and back pain.
Physical Changes: Dry wrinkled skin.
Increase of facial hair.
Decrease of scalp and pubic hair.
Breasts start to sag.
Bloating and weight gain.
Nails become brittle with possible grooving and slow growth.
Emotional: Frequent mood swings.
These mood swings often are the precursor to depressive states.
Sleeplessness.
Falling asleep can be difficult.
When they do fall asleep, it will be a restless sleep with frequent awakenings.
Very often they are irritable and anxious.
There can be a change in their sexual response or interest.
Coping with menopause can be very trying for the individual and to those they have to live with.
It is of course up to the individual to be aware of what is going on and does everything in their power to help themselves through this most difficult time.
The following suggestions can be of the utmost importance in finding the remedy that is best suited for them.
If they smoke, they must stop immediately.
Limiting alcohol if they drink more than one drink daily.
One drink daily is permissible.
Eat a healthy nutritious diet of at least 1200 calories, and be sure these calories are not all fat calories, but do include some fat in your diet.
Having enough fat cells help because fat cells do produce natural estrogen.
The woman who is a little heavier does better than her very thin or lean counterpart.
Eat enough fiber in your diet.
Fiber will help maintain a healthy digestive tract and maintain normal bowel movements.
For the urinary incontinence there are special exercises the woman should do.
These exercises are called "KEGEL EXERCISES".
These exercises are performed in the following manner:

1. When urinating, find the right muscle by stopping the urine in midstream-then starts again.
   Do this several times until you pinpoint the proper muscles.
   
2. Practice squeezing these muscles without urinating.
   Make sure your buttocks or stomach do not move.
   
3. Squeeze and hold for 3 seconds.
   4.
   Repeat at least 10 to 15 times each session.
   
4. Do at least 3 sets of Kegel Exercises daily.
   Do more if possible.
   The more you do, the more effective they will be.
   You can do these exercises anywhere-no one will know.
   

Other than the above exercise to improve the incontinence, the individual must improve their general physical health.
The best way to accomplish this is to start an exercise program that will impact the entire body.
They must choose a program that allows them to exercise according to their physical capabilities, yet give them a total body workout.
The exercise program will help keep body weight down, especially around the abdomen, waist and hips.
The exercises not make you feel better, but can prevent or improve existing osteoporosis.
A regular exercise program can also be a significant factor in the prevention or improvement of heart disease, and can help restore tone to the muscles.
The toning of the muscles plays a very real role in the improvement for the symptoms of menopause.
The alleviation of any or most these symptoms can change the woman's whole outlook on life.