Menopause, conceptual artwork. Menopause is the cessation of menstruation. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is caused when the ovaries (centre left and right) stop producing the female sex hormone oestrogen. Symptoms can include hot flushes (red), mood swings and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), may be used to decrease the severity of some symptoms and reduce the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease).