How Long Does Menopause Last?

Menopause itself is a single point in time: the day you have gone 12 months in a row without a period. What most women mean by “how long does menopause last” is how long the transition and its symptoms last, and that can be several years.

The three stages

Perimenopause usually starts in your 40s and lasts about four years on average, though it can run eight to ten years for some women.
Menopause is reached after 12 months without a period. The average age in the United States is about 51.
Postmenopause is everything after that point.

How long do symptoms last?

Hot flashes and night sweats last about seven years on average, and more than a decade for some women. Women whose hot flashes start earlier in perimenopause often have them longer. Vaginal dryness and bladder symptoms tend to continue, or worsen, without treatment. See our guide to menopause and perimenopause symptoms.

What affects the timeline?

Genetics, smoking, body weight and surgery all play a role. Removal of both ovaries causes immediate surgical menopause, often with stronger symptoms.

You do not have to wait it out

Effective treatment exists. Perimenopause and menopause treatment may include bioidentical hormone therapy, non-hormonal options and lifestyle changes, based on your history and labs.

Have questions about your hormones or weight? Julie Bernell, MD, sees women and men from Kingwood, The Woodlands and the Lake Houston area at our New Caney office. Call 281-319-4111 or request an appointment.

This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.