How Long Does Menopause Last

Menopause occurs as a natural and normal part of growing older.

You will stop menstruating once you reach your 40s. Menopause is reached when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months and you have stopped menstruating.

The natural menopause that occurs without medical intervention is divided into three stages.

• perimenopause
• menopause
• post menopause

Menopause and perimenopause are often confused. Perimenopause occurs when a woman starts to transition from menopause. The perimenopausal stage is characterized by:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness

During the perimenopause your body starts to produce less estrogen. The hormone levels will drop dramatically in the last year or two of perimenopause. Perimenopause may begin up to 10 year before menopause. Perimenopause usually begins in the 40s. However, some women begin in their 30s.

When you haven’t gotten a period in 12 months, doctors will consider you to be at menopause. You will then enter the postmenopausal phase.

You will experience “sudden menopause” if you have had your ovaries removed surgically.

For how long do symptoms last?

The average duration of perimenopausal symptom is four years. Symptoms associated with this phase gradually diminish during menopause and after menopause. Postmenopausal women are those who have gone a year without having a period.

Hot flushes are also called hot flashes and they are common symptoms of perimenopause. According to one study, hot flashes of moderate or severe intensity can continue beyond perimenopause for up to 10.2 years. This is longer than the time frame generally accepted for hot flashes.

Researchers found that women with average weight and black women experience hot flashes longer than women with excess weight and white women.

Menopause can occur before age 55. Women who experience menopause prior to the age of 45 are considered to be experiencing early menopause. premature Menopause is when you are menopausal, but younger than 45 years.

Many factors can lead to early or premature menopause. Women can experience early or premature menopause due to surgical interventions, such as a hysterectomy. This can also occur if chemotherapy, or other conditions or treatments damage the ovaries.

Menopause symptoms

You will experience many symptoms during perimenopause. For example, you may notice that your periods are irregular. The intensity and duration of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, especially during perimenopause.

The symptoms can last for four to five more years after menopause. However, they will lessen in intensity and frequency. Some women say their symptoms persist for longer.

The symptoms that are most commonly seen include:

• Hot Flashes. You will feel an abrupt rush of heat in your upper body and face. These can last from a few seconds up to several minutes. Hot Flashes may occur more than once a day, or even a few time a month.
• Night sweats. Hot flashes during sleep can result in night sweats. Night Sweats may wake you up or make you feel tired.
• Cold Flashes. Your body may feel cold after a hot flash.
• Vaginal Changes. Dryness of the vaginal area, discomfort when sexing, and a need to urinate urgently are all symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)..
• Changes in emotional state. This may include mild depression and mood swings.
• Night sweats can cause insomnia and sleep problems.

The following symptoms can also be associated with perimenopause:

• Breast tenderness
• Periods of heavier or lighter weight
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), , is getting worse
• Dry skin, eyes or mouth

Women may also suffer from:

• Headaches
• racing heart
• Muscle and joint pain
• Focus and memory problems
• Hair loss or thinning
• Weight gain

Consult your doctor if you have any additional symptoms.

Symptoms can occur at any time during perimenopause. Hot flashes are more common at the beginning of perimenopause.

Managing symptoms

Perimenopause or menopause is uncomfortable for some women and can even be painful. It’s normal and part of growing older. Here are some tips on how to manage your symptoms.

Hot flashes

You can manage and prevent hot flashes by using these tips:

• Avoid hot flashes by avoiding triggers such as alcohol or spicy foods.
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• If you are still on your period, take low-dose oral contraceptives.
• When a hot flash begins, take slow, deep breathes.
• When you feel the hot flashes coming, remove some layers of clothing.

Vaginal dryness

You can also ask your doctor to prescribe medication for more severe vaginal pain.

Consult your doctor if you are reluctant to have sexual relations with your partner.

Sleep disorders and mood swings

Avoid sleep disorders by using these tips:

• Avoid eating large meals or drinking coffee after noon.
• Avoid taking naps during the day.
• Avoid alcohol or exercise close to bedtime.
• Warm milk or caffeine-free tea is a good choice before going to bed.
• Sleep in a cool, dark and quiet room.
• Sleep better by treating hot flashes.

Stress reduction, healthy eating, and physical activity can help mood swings and sleep problems. You may be prescribed medication by your doctor to treat mood swings.

Talk to your doctor to find out how to manage your symptoms. Also, rule out any other conditions like asthma or depression that could be causing them. Joining a women’s menopause support group can be helpful. You will have a place where you can discuss your issues and concerns.

Additional treatments

You may be prescribed menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) by your doctor to treat symptoms. MHT, also known as HRT or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• irritability
• Vaginal dryness

MHT can also reduce mood swings, mild depression symptoms and bone loss. Side effects of MHT may include:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Bloating
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• nausea

Studies from a trusted source indicate that women taking MHT have an increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. Women who use contraceptive rings, patches or pills face similar risks. Women who use MHT tend to be older and their risks are higher.

MHT is not for all women. Some are unable to take it because of an illness they have had in the past, such as cancer. Others may be taking other medications.

Further research has found that breast cancer risk can increase if you use MHT (estrogen and progestogen together, not estrogen only) for five years or more.

Women who have their uterus removed are treated with estrogen only.

Before deciding to use hormonal therapy, talk to your doctor about it.