Will these symptoms last for the rest of my life?

For most women, menopause symptoms last for a relatively short time. However, a woman's level of estrogen naturally remains low after menopause. This can affect many parts of the body, including the sexual and urinary organs, the heart and bones. So in that sense, the changes of menopause will be life-long. But eating right, exercising and making other positive lifestyle changes can help you feel great and live a long, healthy life after menopause.

What can be done to relieve pain during sex?

Sexual penetration may be painful when there is not enough moisture in the vagina or when the tissue lining the vagina becomes fragile because of lower estrogen levels. The vaginal canal may actually shorten and the opening may become more closed. Several methods are available to help. One of the most effective is frequent sexual activity. Other remedies include short-acting, water-based lubricants, such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly that supply moisture immediately before intercourse. Long-acting vaginal moisturizers are also available, while prescription estrogen-based vaginal creams, rings or tablets may also help. Lubricants described as "warming" or "stimulating" may cause vaginal or vulvar irritation.

Since I began menopause, I've had an embarrassing problem—urine leaks when I laugh or cough. What can be done to prevent this?

Some women have problems with bladder control after menopause begins. This happens because the muscles that surround the bladder and hold the urine inside become weaker as a woman ages. It may also be a result of strain during childbirth. Fortunately, simple exercises—known as Kegel exercises—can strengthen these muscles. To perform a Kegel, contract the pelvic muscles as if trying to tighten or close the vaginal opening. Hold the contraction for a count of five and then relax. Wait a couple of seconds and repeat. Performing several Kegels a day (try for a total of 50 per day) can markedly improve bladder control—and may even enhance sexual pleasure. Estrogen has been associated with worsening prolapse and incontinence.

My health care professional has recommended hormone therapy, but I've heard that I'll have menstrual periods again if I take it. Is that true? Is hormone therapy safe?

Estrogen therapy may cause vaginal bleeding in some women. This depends on the hormone that is selected, the way it is prescribed, the dose taken and each woman's own unique response to therapy. After menopause, low estrogen levels result in a thinning of the uterine lining, which, in turn, stops the monthly period. Taking estrogen after menopause thickens the uterine lining. Most women who take continuous estrogen (that is, estrogen every day) plus progestin pills daily, will have some bleeding for the first three to six months. By month six,75 percent of women on continuous therapy will stop bleeding. Women who take "cyclic" hormone therapy, in which progestin is taken for 12-14 days per month, will continue to have cyclic bleeding.

Even though my eating habits have not changed, I've gained weight recently. Is that linked to menopause?

It may be. Everyone's metabolism begins to slow during the early to mid-30s. This change occurs slowly, so it may take a while for the impact of eating habits to affect weight. Also, many women notice a thickening around the waist after menopause. It is important to make a sensible, nutritious diet and healthy behaviors, such as getting enough exercise, goals for life. There is some evidence that eating a diet that includes lean protein, is low in fat and low in carbohydrates may help. The only reliable way to lose weight is to reduce caloric intake and increase caloric expenditure by exercising daily.

I seem to be very forgetful lately and I'm worried. What's happening?

Many postmenopausal aging women have problems with short-term memory like forgetting the location of car keys or eyeglasses, skipping appointments they didn't remember or losing the end of a thought when speaking or writing. These may be due to a busy lifestyle and/or stress at home or work. Notably, several medical studies have shown distinct differences in memory in women who have active ovaries producing estrogen or are taking estrogen therapy compared to women with low levels of estrogen due to menopause. If you notice a serious memory deficit, or are unable to remember what a common item is used for, consult your doctor.

How will menopause affect my daily activities and lifestyle?

That all depends on you. Menopause is a natural part of life, not a disease or a health crisis. However, menopause may occur when many other changes are happening in your life. For instance, your children may be marrying or leaving home, your parents may be ill or dying or you may be wondering what you'll do when you retire from work. That's why it is probably more helpful to think of how your daily activities and lifestyle could affect your postmenopausal years.

For instance, making sure that you exercise and eat right can make a real difference in how you feel and can even help prevent some of the long-term effects that are linked to estrogen deficiency (like osteoporosis).

Physical changes do occur with menopause and with aging. But the changes that happen during this period can be minimized by healthy living and a sense of purpose in life. If your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your life, consult your doctor to go over your options for treatment.