Causes
- Natural physiological exhaustion of ovarian oocytes leading to a steep drop in estrogen and progesterone
Symptoms
- Hot flashes with sudden intense sweating waves
- night sweats
- mood swings
- irritability
- vaginal dryness
- sleep disturbances
Risk Factors
- Natural aging between 45 and 55
- early onset can be accelerated by smoking or surgical removal of the ovaries