Despite being a natural part of aging, menopause remains largely misunderstood and under-discussed, leading to a significant knowledge gap among women and healthcare providers.

According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause usually starts between the ages of 45 and 55 and typically lasts about seven years.

During menopause, estrogen levels in the body drop, and that can cause women to experience symptoms such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and weight gain.

In some cases, menopause has been linked to domestic violence and mental health challenges.

In part one of our health feature this week, we speak to experts about various aspects of menopause and how to deal with it.

Don't miss the second part of this feature when we speak to the experts about interventions for menopause-related challenges.