- Natural decline in estrogen release
- Post oophorectomy
- Average age 52 (onset between 40-58)
- Hot flushes: intense heat starting in face/chest and spreading to body; associated with sweating; last 1-5min
- Irregular and then loss of menstruation
- Irritability, mood swings
- Sleep disturbance
- Decreased vaginal lubrication, dyspareunia
- Decreased libido
- Bloating, weight gain
- Vaginal atrophy, loss of rugae