Menopause is the natural transition that all women experience as their estrogen level gradually decreases. Estrogen is a major hormone to produce uterine bleeding every month during the child bearing years in women. As the ovaries become less active, there is less secretion of estrogen, and as a result, women start to experience irregular menstruation until it finally ceases. This process typically begins in women between the ages of 47 and 52.

This transition may occur without any symptoms whatsoever; however, at least 75% of women experience the most common menopausal symptom, hot flashes. Night sweats are also a related symptom to hot flashes, causing uncontrollable sweating and feelings of chilliness. This may disturb a good night's sleep, which results in fatigue, irritability, and a feeling of resentment. Western medical doctors prescribe estrogen in order to supplement the declining estrogen production in women. Often referred as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), estrogen can diminish or eliminate most of the menopausal symptoms effectively. Hot flashes, night sweats, and decalcification of bone are usually relieved by HRT. However, recent studies have concluded that estrogen treatment involves several risks, especially for those women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. In addition, estrogen is associated with an increased risk of blood clots.

Chinese medicine has recognized the presence of "essence" in the female body. This essence, or "Jing," is the most primal substance in the body, and women are endowed with a certain amount of essence at birth, referred as "congenital essence."  Women also manufacture essence from the surplus of energy we don't use everyday, known as "acquired essence." This essence is stored in kidneys and has the effect of regulating menstruation. Additionally, this essence cools, lubricates, and moistens the bones, muscles, eyes, and mucous membranes, as a function of Yin

After the body consumes its inherited essence, the menstruations become irregular until they cease entirely. The lack of essence also influences the body temperature; additionally, the eyes become dry, and the bones and muscles become unnourished, resulting in bone loss. As the body becomes hot from this lack of essence, the heat accumulates and rises, resulting in hot flashes. The emotional aspect of this rising heat is expressed as abrupt anger and irritability. When the heat lingers at night, the body is unable to relax and it is difficult to fall into sleep.