OK, So How Long Does Menopause Last?


As women progress in the aging process, menopause is a natural stage of life all women will experience. Unfortunately, hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and lethargy can make menopause one of the most physically and emotionally miserable times in a woman's life. A woman is considered as having reached menopause once she has not had a period for a full year or more, and menopause is also often referred to as being the "change of life". Compounding the issue is that men, for the most part, think menopause is something a woman goes through for a couple of years and she is done with it.

There are many different symptoms that a woman may experience from menopause, including trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, mood swings, trouble focusing, a change in pattern of menstruation and hot flashes. There are a ton of other symptoms that have been reported as symptoms of menopause as well. Because of all these uncomfortable serious symptoms one of the questions that many women ask is how long does menopause last?

When it comes to the question of how long does menopause last, there is really no simple answer. This is because each woman is different and although certain basics of menopause remain the same from one case to another, menopause is always different from one woman to the next and so the question of how long does menopause last actually requires a few answers.

For most women, they can expect all stages of menopause to last between four to five years, and from the first symptom to the last these can actually range up to eight years or even more. There is no evidence to show any support for predictors for the length of menopause, as every woman will experience menopause in her life at a different pace.

Relief Of Symptoms

Even if you cannot be certain of how long menopause will last in your life, you should feel comforted in knowing that there are certain things you can do in order to relieve the symptoms that are caused by your menopause. Estrogen for example, which can be taken in supplements or medications, can help to restore a balance of the levels of hormones in the body, thereby relieving hot flashes and mood swings.

Herbal supplements such as Black Cohosh and Chaste Tree Berry have also proven to be very effective at relieving menopausal symptoms, as has reducing life stressors, a healthy diet, and relaxation exercises and techniques such as yoga and meditation. It is important to work together with your doctor through this tough time and have supportive friends and family members by your side.

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3 Responses to “OK, So How Long Does Menopause Last?”

  1. [...] menopause is a natural stage of life all women will experience. Unfortunately, hot flashes …http://www.agenotes.com/menopause/ok-so-how-long-does-menopause-last-81.phpHow Long Does Menopause Last?Once menopause symptoms appear, how long will they last? The duration [...]

  2. Carole Heathon 30 Mar 2010 at 3:53 am link comment

    The question how long does the menopause last is debateable i think, some doctors say a few years some say longer it depends on the woman i completely agree with that utterance. But i think that the menopause is such a complex time in a woman’s life some doctors don’t really know enough about it really. Women are at the mercy of their hormones much of their adult life what with monthly periods etc then the menopause kicks in later on in life. I have never taken HRT as i prefer a more natural method to help the menopause myself, i take a course of tablets especially for this time in a woman’s life, i am 62 years old now and i have been told by my GP that i am now post-menopausal. Some of my friend’s have had a terrible time of it all they have really suffered badly, i feel sympathy for them as it can cause depression and other problems. One of my friends had to give up her job as she was unable to function properly during this time of her life. I try to eat healthy and keep fit with swimming and aqua aerobics, and have a positive out-look and do various hobbies etc. I don’t think you should look at the menopause as a spiral into old age, but another phrase of your life without all the problems of monthly periods etc.

  3. susanon 27 May 2010 at 10:27 pm link comment

    I have found that ground flaxseed is extremely effective at getting rid of the “brain fuzz” and feeling more positive. Two to three tablespoons each day is sufficient. You can add it to eggs, oatmeal/hot cereals, etc.

    Also tea made from fenugreek seeds is wonderful. Boil a cup of water, add about 1/2 tsp of seeds, boil for five minutes, remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Tastes like maple syrup (with a little celery seed flavor). Drink two cups of tea a day.

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