How Long Does Menopause Last?

Menopause is a transition from the fertile to the infertile phase. It varies in different women. The menopausal transition occurs between the age of 45 years to 55 years. People usually ask, "how long does menopause last" it can last for 14 years. Thus, it depends upon the sedentary lifestyle.

Additionally, it depends upon the genetic factor and race. In this blog, we will discuss the causes of menopause, its signs, symptoms, and the measures you can take to relieve the symptoms.  Moreover, women are also affected by hormonal imbalance, which affects their mental health and causes complications in the body. Let's scrutinize the topic deeply. 

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the time when you have missed the periods for 12 months since your last period. In this phase, you are no longer producing an ovary. When people say they are in menopause, they have entered into perimenopause. You will see the changes in your body. The symptoms for many women are troublesome. It may last for 4 to 5 years. The nature of symptoms also varies according to the race and ethnicity of women.  The symptoms you may experience are given in the following:

• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Mood
• Sleep issues
• Weight gain

Also, Read Menopause & Heart Disease - Is There a Relation?

How long does menopause last?

Menopause is a slow process that can last for seven or 14 years. It differs in different women. I will explain to you more deeply if you miss periods for six months but get a period in the seventh month. The clock will reset again. From that point, you need to start your clock till 12 months to declare menopause. The length also varies in menopause according to the sedentary lifestyles. 

How long do the stages of menopause last? 

• Perimenopause -

In this phase, estrogen level starts decreasing, which causes irregular monthly cycles. In addition, at this time, estrogen starts to fluctuate; it lasts for 4 to 6 years. It starts from 35 to 45 years. However, during the transition phase, the woman remains fertile.  There is no doubt that conceiving has become difficult at this point. The woman suffers from hot flashes, fatigue, chills, and other symptoms. 

• Menopause - 

Menopause occurs when periods do not happen in 12 months. Here, the woman suffers from intense symptoms. It typically increases in the first year. However, it decreases over time. Menopause occurs between 45 to 55 years.  However, the average varies in the women according to race and ethnicity. 

• Post-menopause -

In this condition, menopause is a permanent change. The periods never come back in this phase. Women become entirely infertile. If you develop any worsening symptoms, you should consider seeing the doctor. 

What are the symptoms of menopause?

There are many signs and symptoms that women suffer during the transition of menopause. There are three stages such as perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. The symptoms vary according to the type. The frequency, intensity, and duration vary according to women. The symptoms are given in the following:

• Hot flashes: Hot flashes occur suddenly and cause warmthness in the face and upper body. It lasts for minutes or longer than that. It can happen several times a day. 
• Night sweats: Hot flashes can cause night sweats at night. You will be tired at night or after waking up. 
• Cold flashes: You feel cold, chills, and cold feet, and your body drops the temperature. 
• Vaginal changes: Vaginal dryness causes uneasiness during intercourse and lowers libido. You may feel like urinating every time. 
• Emotional changes may include mild depression, mood swings, and irritability. 
• Trouble sleeping: People have insomnia can occur because of night sweats.   

The perimenopause symptoms are: 

• Breast tenderness
• Heavier or lighter periods
• Worsening of PMS
• Dry skin, eyes, and mouth

The other signs and symptoms that women reported are:

• Headache
• Racing heart
• Muscle and joint pain
• Memory issues
• Hair loss
• Weight gain

Also, Read Maintaining good health after Menopause

What is the treatment involved in menopause symptoms?

I have listed some perimenopause and menopause treatments that help to relieve the symptoms. It could be managed by following some tips and tricks. 

Hot Flashes - 

• People should avoid spicy food and alcohol. 
• Sleep in a calm and cold place. 
• The low-dose oral contraceptives you can take to prevent hot flashes. 
• You can exercise deep breaths with hot flashes. 
• Wear light clothes. 

Vaginal Dryness -

• Vaginal dryness can be managed by using a water-based or counter lubricant. 
• There is also vaginal moisturizer which reduces irritation during sexual activity. 

Sleep problems and mood swings -

• Avoid large meals before going to bed. 
• Avoid smoking and caffeine at night. 
• Avoid napping in the afternoon. 
• Drink warm milk before sleeping.
• Early rise-up and exercise are essential.

Also, Read Menopause: Don't Let This Milestone Beat Your Enthusiasm For Life

Additional treatment for relieving menopausal symptoms - 

There are many ways that you can look for additional therapy. This includes: Menopausal Hormone Therapy helps to prevent bone degeneration. It also reduces mood swings and depressive symptoms. The side effects of MHT are

• Vaginal bleeding
• Bloating
• Breast swelling 
• Tenderness
• Mood changes
• Nausea

However, it would help if you were cautious about taking MHT because a few studies suggested that the risk of breast cancer increases with long-term therapy of MHT.  Women who undergo a hysterectomy also go for MHT. 

When to see the doctor?

I have listed some issues you need to be serious about when you experience the signs and symptoms. You have to seek a nearby doctor immediately for treatment. 

• PCOS
• Cervical cancer
• Irregular bleeding
• Bleed during sex
• Irregular and frequent periods
• Long periods
• Spotting after periods
• Joint and bones pain
• Heart problem

Benefits of menopause 

This is a natural process that people should embrace. In this phase, women go through a lot of changes. The benefits are listed below:

• Women experience positive change after menopause. 
• No change in health and behavior
• Women in menopause increase clarity and emotional intelligence. 
• You will be free from the tampons, pads, and menstrual products which might irritate you. 
• No need for birth control pills

You may also read: How Often Can Pre-cum Cause Pregnancy?

Outlook -  

In this article, I have explained how long menopause last. We have studied the stages and types of menopause and how long it stays. It varies from woman to woman. However, it could be overcome by different therapy and treatments. If you consider your health a priority, you can overcome this troubling phase.

Though many women usually experience mood swings and hot flashes at night. You can overcome this by adopting different lifestyles.  If your symptoms are worsening, inform a doctor and get treatment. You can also contact the Credihealth team for the same. They will assist you in finding a healthcare provider. 

Also, Read 6 Pre-Pregnancy Diet For Women