Menopause: Know what to expect

Menopause is the end of a woman's menstrual cycle, and thus the end of her fertility. This natural stage in life happens to every woman, usually in her 40s or 50s, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the United States the average age a woman hits menopause is 51, but when you hit menopause is mostly based on genetics, so it can happen to you earlier or later than that. 

For that reason, it's important to educate yourself on the stages of menopause so you know what to look out for. It's also important to note that just because a woman hits menopause, that doesn't mean she can't lead a healthy, and sexual, life. Understanding how menopause affects your body, and the treatment you can seek for any undesirable changes, will help make this transition smoother.