"I wouldn't say it's such a pleasant period in a women's life," explains a women who had just passed through memopause, "but I think you can learn from it." Menopause is a time period with a process of change in hormonal levels and ovarian function, which leads to the natural cessation of menstruation. The book The Silent Passage - Menopause, says that the symptoms can include, "night sweats, insomnia...crying for no reason...migraines, and memory lapses."

Menopause, or the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Even so, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can disrupt your sleep, sap your energy and - at least indirectly - trigger feelings of sadness and loss. Hormonal changes cause the physical symptoms of menopause, but mistaken beliefs about the menopausal transition are partly to blame for the emotional ones. First, menopause doesn't mean the end is near - you've still got as much as half your life to go. Second, menopause will not snuff out your femininity and sexuality. In fact, you may be one of the many women who find it liberating to stop worrying about pregnancy and periods. Mayoclinic

Menopause is not a disorder. Most women do not need treatment for it. However, if symptoms are severe, medicines may help. After menopause, women are more vulnerable to bone loss and heart disease. Exercise and eating right can help keep women healthy as they age.

Arriving at menopause is actually a sign of physical health - a sign that your body's inner clock is humming along. Hence, menopause is not the end of a woman's productive life - only of her reproductive life.

Written by David Slade author of Mandarin English XL at