Current considerations of the menopause.

Menopause occurs in approximately 50 percent of women by the time they reach the age of 50. Increased lifespan owing to modern medical achievement allows women to spend more than one-third of their life time in menopausal period. Although mechanism of ovarian aging is not fully understood, menopause associated clinical problems can be controlled and improved. Estrogen replacement therapy in conjunction with a progestin regimen not only controls hot flashes, osteoporosis, dyspareunia, and other estrogen-deficiency symptoms, but also prevents the potential risk of estrogen treatment such as endometrial and/or breast carcinoma and cardiovascular disorders. In addition to hormonal therapy, nutritional supplements such as calcium and vitamin D, and physical exercise are essential to the well-being of women in the post-menopausal period.