Menopause is a normal, natural event—defined as the final menstrual period. It represents the permanent cessation of menses resulting from loss of ovarian follicular function usually due to aging. Menopause can occur naturally around age 51 or be induced through surgical intervention.

Menopause affects every woman. And, as the large baby-boom generation reaches midlife and beyond, an unprecedented number of women are now postmenopausal. An estimated 6,000 US women reach menopause every day (over 2 million per year).

During the transition from the reproductive years through menopause and beyond, a woman experiences many physical and emotional changes. Fortunately, menopause is now better understood and more openly discussed than ever before. Menopause can be viewed as a sentinel event that presents a unique opportunity for women, working with their healthcare provider, to evaluate and improve personal health.

The collaboration between women and their healthcare providers, characterized by mutual trust and respect, is the goal of menopause counseling. At Women's Clinic, Ltd. our physicians and practitioners provide individualized screening and counseling to enhance the woman's sense of well-being. This is not only true during menopause but for the rest of her life.

For more information on menopause, please visit the following websites:

Menopause.org Website

WebMD - Menopause

Menopause Article from MSN Live

Some information about menopause provided by the NAMS book, 3rd Edition of Menopause Practice, A Clinicians' Guide