Symptoms
Symptoms of menopause include:

• hot flashes and skin flushing
  
• decreased sex drive
  
• mood changes
  
• irregular menstrual periods
  
• vaginal dryness
  

Women who experience surgical menopause, which is the surgical removal of the ovaries, often experience severe symptoms. The severity of their symptoms is due to the body’s having to adjust to the loss of estrogen all at once, instead of over a period of time.

Last updated: 01-Jan-00