Menopause: Menopause is a transition between two phases of a woman's life. Menopause is not a disease or an illness. Menopause occurs when a woman permanently stops menstruating (having periods). Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, urinary incontinence, vaginal changes, breast changes, thinning of the skin, bone loss, rise in LDL cholesterol levels, increased risk for heart disease, and weight gain. There is no "cure" for menopause. There are medication treatments and lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms of menopause.