Menopause is not a disease or an illness. It is permanent ending of menstruation in women. Menopause marks the end of a woman's natural ability to bear children.

Menopause symptoms are as different as women themselves. Some women do not have any symptoms during menopause or only have a few symptoms. Other women develop disturbing and even severe symptoms.

In the western world about 12 percent of woman do not experience symptoms of menopause and about 14 percent experience intense physical or emotional problems. The average age of US women in whom menopause occurs is 51 years.

For most women, menopause is a normal occurrence. If menopause happens in a woman younger than 40 years, it is considered premature. Menopause is considered late if it occurs in a woman older than 55 years.

Here is an almost complete list of menopause symptoms.

Hot flashes

Night sweats

Sleep disorders

Changes in menstruation

Mood swings

Depression and anxiety

Irritability

Difficulties in concentrating

Mental confusion

Memory problems

Decline in libido

Vaginal dryness

Urinary problems

Thinning of the skin around the cervix.

Breast tenderness

Tiredness

Hair loss and hair thinning

Headaches

Cardiovascular disease

Osteoporosis

Weight gain.

Keep in mind that most women will only have a few symptoms from this list of menopause symptoms. Symptoms can be noticed for several months to years before the last menstrual period and can continue for several years after.