Menopause is defined as the time in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop making eggs and it has been 12 months since her last period. Usually this happens between 45 and 55 years of age, with the average age being 51.Prior to the onset of menopause, women begin to have symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and loss of sex drive. These symptoms occur in varying degrees from mild to severe depending on the woman.It is important to understand this is a normal process and does not need medical intervention.