Menopause literally translates to last period. It occurs between the ages of forty five and fifty in most women. You can be sure that menopause is over if you have not had a period for over a year. Other symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, palpitation, joint and bone pain, unusual sensation on the surface of the skin, headaches, tiredness, sweating at night and vaginal distress. These were physical symptoms there may even be a few psychological symptoms including anxiety, irritability, mood swings, loss of libido, sleeplessness, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, depression etc. unfortunately no tests have yet been devised to medically confirm that menopause has set in, it is only determined by its symptoms and when periods cease. Exercise is believed to delay the onset of menopause in some cases.