Final answer:
The most common symptom of menopause is hot flashes, which typically occur in the evening or at night and can last for several years. Hormone therapy can alleviate symptoms but carries risks such as increased chances of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, so it's used cautiously.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common vasomotor symptom that menopausal women experience are hot flashes. These often occur during the evening or at night, leading to what is commonly referred to as night sweats. The duration of hot flashes varies significantly between individuals, but they can last for several years after the onset of menopause. The time it takes for hot flashes to cease can range from the menopausal transition period to well beyond the final menstrual period, and there's no exact timeline that applies to all women. However, they typically become less frequent and less intense as time goes on post-menopause.
Another significant health concern during menopause is the decline in bone density, known as osteoporosis, which rapidly occurs in the first few years post-menopause. The use of hormone therapy (HT) can alleviate some symptoms, including hot flashes, but this treatment comes with potential risks such as an increased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other serious conditions. Therefore, HT is currently recommended in the lowest dose and for the shortest duration necessary, with regular monitoring.