How Long Does Menopause Last?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist and project plan...
Key Takeaways
- While menopause is officially marked after 12 consecutive months without a period, the transition from perimenopause to menopause typically lasts about seven years and can be longer.
- Common symptoms include hot flashes, sleep difficulties, mood changes, vaginal dryness and brain fog. Lower estrogen levels may also increase the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes and other health concerns.
- Treatment options may include hormone therapy, low-dose birth control, antidepressants or vaginal creams, along with healthy lifestyle habits.
Menopause lasts for a year; it is officially marked by a single day when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. But that’s not what people may think of when they think of menopause. The whole process is made up of three phases and, and the first two often last for several years.
Here is a look at these phases of menopause, how long each lasts and what this means for you.
How long does menopause last?
Menopause is in three phases:
- Perimenopause, which typically starts when a woman is in her mid-to-late 40s. Hormone levels start to change,and they will start to experience symptoms such as hot flashes and irregular periods. Women in perimenopause can become pregnant during this time.
- Menopause, which is when ovaries slow hormone production and 12 months after a woman’s final period. The average age of menopause is 51. A woman in menopause can no longer become pregnant because the ovaries no longer release eggs.
- Postmenopause, which lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. There may still be symptoms related to low estrogen levels.
From perimenopause to official menopause, the process is typically seven years. Every woman is different, however, and it can take twice that long. Some women can start perimenopause as early as their late 30s, and others may experience sudden menopause because of a health condition or surgery.
What is the process of menopause?
Menopause is a normal process women experience when they reach the end of reproductive years. The ovaries produce the hormone estrogen, which is essential for the reproductive system and for heart, brain, bone, bladder and vaginal health.
As women age, however, their ovaries produce less estrogen and the hormone balance between estrogen and progesterone is thrown off, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This is what causes menopause symptoms that can cause discomfort and pain and even interfere with your daily life.
Common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings or irritability
- Vaginal dryness that causes discomfort during sex
- Urinary urgency
- Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth
- Weight loss, gain and/or redistribution
- Brain fog
Additionally, lower estrogen levels can lead to changes in metabolism, cardiovascular health, bone density and mood. You may experience weight gain and a harder time losing weight or increased anxiety. These hormonal changes can also increase your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes, urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections.
Your primary care provider (PCP) can work with you to monitor your menopause and assess any risks for chronic conditions.
Managing menopause
If you struggle with your physical or mental health, including symptoms that interfere with your daily life and/or cause anxiety, talk to your PCP. There are treatments that can help with these symptoms, including:
- Low-dose birth control to manage hormones
- Antidepressants for depression or anxiety
- Vaginal creams for dryness
- Hormone replacement therapy to replace estrogen levels
Here are some lifestyle tips to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms:
- Eat a nutritious diet with recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats.
- Get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, along with two sessions of strength training exercise.
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- Manage stress.
- Notice hot flash triggers and try to avoid them.
- Dress in layers to manage hot flashes.
Photo credit: Getty Images
