This pamphlet examines menopause and the changes associated with it. Menopause is briefly described, surgical menopause is explained, and the relationship between menopause and the reproductive cycle is discussed. Signs of menopause are described, including hot flashes and vaginal and urinary tract changes. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is explained and women most at risk of developing osteoporosis are identified. Suggestions, in the form of lifelong eating and exercise habits, are given for preventing or delaying the onset of osteoporosis. Situations are discussed in which treatment is needed for menopause and available treatments, such as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), are explored. Cases in which ERT should not be used are considered. Mental health during menopause is discussed, mood changes and depression during menopause are described, and the role of sexuality during and after menopause is explained. The role of good nutrition in helping women stay healthy as they grow older is examined. The dangers of smoking and the need for physical exercise are also discussed. The book concludes with a list of other National Institute on Aging publications of interest to older women. (NB)