Menopause is an important transition in a woman's life. Clinically, menopause is defined as the cessation of menstrual cycles. Menstrual cycles seldom cease abruptly; there is an interval termed the perimenopause or menopausal transition, during which there are considerable hormonal fluctuations and varying degrees of symptoms. It is very important that health care providers counsel women about the hormonal changes that occur at the menopause, the effects of these changes, and ways to prevent and treat conditions associated with menopause and aging. Although aging and, to some extent, the hormonal changes associated with menopause, may result in physical symptoms that decrease the opportunities for an enjoyment of sexual intimacy, there is no evidence that the importance of sexuality decreases in women after menopause.