Menopausal symptoms As described
earlier, the number of a woman's oocytes dwindles to zero over
the years. Correspondingly the woman also ceases to produce
the hormones necessary for the preparation of the uterine
lining. In some women, the resulting hormonal changes may, for
a while, produce rather distressing symptoms, such as
headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
Another symptom that may occur repeatedly is a "hot flash" or
brief heat sensation spreading over the body. Such a flash may
last from a second to a few minutes, and it may be followed by
chills or heavy perspiration. These and other menopausal
complaints can often be alleviated or even avoided by hormonal
treatment. In most cases, the entire climacteric does not last
longer than about two years.
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