By:Ryan Fyfe Menopause refers to the physiological stopping of menstrual cycles that is associated with advancing age in species that experience such cycles. More specifically menopause occurs as the ovaries of the species stop producing estrogen, which in turn causes the entire reproductive system to slowly come to a halt. During this time of shutdown, the body is continually trying to adapt to the changing level of hormones which is the cause of the symptoms we commonly know: - Increased depression - Anxiety - Irritability - Mood swings - Lack of concentration It isn't uncommon for a woman to have increasingly scanty and random menstrual periods along with the above symptoms. The typical time for this cycle is about one year, but can swing to as little as 6 months, and to as great as 5 years in extreme cases. Physiological Menopause is part of a normal aging process, and on average occurs as 50.5 years of age. Some woman experience menopause at a younger age, at it should be noted that it can also be surgically induced by procedures like hysterectomy. There is several different factors which can attribute the timeline of menopause. An example of such is: both fraternal and identical twins will on average reach menopause before other women; approximately five percent of twins will reach menopause before they turn forty. There is no way to predict in advance how long, or when menopause will exist, but if you spend some time going over it with your doctor you will be able to have a better idea. Article Source: http://www.dailynewarticles.com Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks. Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Menopause Area - www.menopause-area.com, which is the best site on the internet for all menopause related information. More Articles from Womens Category: Why Can't Thrush Just Spare The Nipples! Airbrush Tanning Systems What Is A Brow Lift? I Have A Dream Abnormal Mammogram - What Now? Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy How To Make Your Own Body Scrubs The Popularity Of The Laser Hair Removal Machine What To Expect From A Home Pregnancy Test Alzheimer's - The Women's Disease Female Hair Loss Treatment And Information A Guide To Tanning Bed Bulbs And Lamps Sun Tanning And Anti-Aging How Changing Your Diet Can Influence The Sex Of Your Baby Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?