When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached the stage of life called menopause. This stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children.

Perimenopause is the period of time before menstruation stops. This time is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms.

When a woman reaches menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly. HRT is a means of replacing these hormones that are no longer being produced by the body.

In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain.

Menopause was once a life-stage dreaded by many women, but that's not true today. To stay youthful and active at this age, eat nutritious meals and get regular physical exercise.

Keeping up your social network can mean as much to your physical health as the aerobic benefits you get at the gym.

A positive attitude, faith, and good relationships with others can make you healthier.

Staying healthy mentally and physically isn't simply a matter of good genes. It's a proactive project that lasts your entire life.

When tragedy strikes with the death of a loved one, a serious illness or a job loss, some people fall apart, while others adapt to such life-changing events more easily. Being resilient is what makes the difference.

Whatever the nature of your loss, active grieving can help you get through the following months and years.