Final answer:
The primary symptom of menopause is hot flashes, often accompanied by heavy sweating at night. Other symptoms include insomnia, mood swings, and bone loss due to decreased estrogen levels. Hormone replacement therapy can mitigate these effects but carries risks for serious side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Symptoms of Menopause
The primary symptom of menopause commonly experienced by many women is hot flashes, often accompanied by heavy sweating at night. These are due to hormonal changes as the body transitions away from reproductive capability. Other frequent menopause symptoms include insomnia, depression, weight gain, mood swings, headaches, muscle pain, vaginal dryness, and changes in hair growth. Menopause can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels, which plays a key role in calcium metabolism. Consequently, lower levels of calcium in the blood can result in bone loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often considered to counteract the effects of estrogen depletion, as it may prevent bone loss and offer some protection from various health conditions such as colon cancer and heart disease. However, HRT's use is controversial due to potential negative side effects like increased risks of stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, and other serious conditions.