Menopause usually takes place between the ages of 45 and 55, although some women experience their last periods in their 60's and in some cases in their 30's.

Disrupted menstrual cycles and irregular periods are common flags of the time preceding menopause. This time is now commonly referred to as perimenopause and can last for years.

Perimenopause begins without symptoms and proceeds to a drop in hormone levels that are significant enough to cause the body to respond by producing hot flashes, changes in periods, some insomnia and mood changes. In addition some women complain of dizziness. Hormone sensitive tissues begin to shrink causing vaginal dryness, and urinary control problems. Bone mass begins to decrease and skin becomes thinner and looses some elasticity. Hair can become dry, thin and brittle.