Menopause is a normal part of a woman's aging process. It occurs when the ovaries are depleted of eggs and stop producing hormones. As a result, the menstrual cycle ceases and reproduction is no longer possible. Most women experience at least some symptoms of menopause, which commonly include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, depression, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, weight gain and a decrease in sex drive. You may not be able to entirely prevent menopause symptoms, but you can decrease their severity by making some healthy lifestyle changes.