Q & A with Dr. Rani Bhat Menopause: Why it happens & what to expect Menopause affects women in different ways as they enter a new and significant phase of life. Like many life-altering conditions, menopause may have emotional repercussions as well as physical. Some women feel a sense of loss with their infertility and decreased sex drive, the anxiety can send many women to depression. Some women may develop mood swings and sleeping disorders. Then there are women who are actually glad that they will no longer have to cope with menstrual cycles. Even at the physical level, menopause manifests through various symptoms in different women. As many as 25% of women will display no symptoms at all. The other three-fourths may experience a wide variety of symptoms from hot flushes, weight gain, aching joints, sleeplessness, and inability to focus. Women start menopause at different ages, usually between 45 and 55 years an...