Introduction
The menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life. It generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The menopause, medically also termed climacteric (Greek: klimakter – critical point of time in human life), begins with a decrease of hormone production in the ovaries. Menstruation cycles become more and more irregular until they stop completely. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 years, differing from woman to woman, and is usually finished by the age of 65.
During menopause, women frequently suffer from significant complaints, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disorders, mood swings, and dryness of the vagina or other mucous membranes. These complaints result from an increasing deficiency of the natural hormones, especially oestrogens. Over time, this hormonal deficiency can also lead to an increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis. In order to eliminate menopausal complaints and prevent osteoporosis women are often treated with hormone replacement therapy on a low-dose basis (as recommended by experts).
