When do women generally start menapause, and how long does menapause last?
So, menopause or menapause, the symptoms can vary for every woman as all of us are unique, but all of us would like to know how long menopause is likely to last. Unfortunately, there is presently no way of knowing as every woman is so different, and has different lifestyles, different genetic make up as well as different stress levels, health and cultural differences, all of which can influence the length of menopause.
Having said that, there are some guidelines of expected and average times for the length of menopause, so let’s consider those now.
Generally, the first signs of menopause begin some time during your mid thirties to late fifties – yes, it can start any time during those twenty years – but more often than not, menopause starts in the mid to late forties. So look out for the symptoms of a change in the length of your periods – they could be longer or shorter! – along with mood changes and/or hot flashes. There may also be symptoms of vaginal dryness, and this could continue into the post menopause cycle. However, for most women, these do tend to disappear during the first year after your last period.
Do be aware that some of the symptoms of menapause are similar to those for thyroid problems, so you need to see you doctor, just to make sure what is going on really is related to menapause. A simple blood test can sort this out for you.
Now, these menopausal symptoms could be different for you – you could have them all, or any combination, or very few, or even none of them at all. It all depends on the factors mentioned earlier of your general health, stress levels and so on. You could find out when your mother started her menopause, and how long it lasted, but even that does not give you an accurate answer as to how long your menapause will last, because of different lifestyles and stress levels.
However, on average, menapause usually begins in the forties and ends in the fifties, with its length being anywhere from two to ten years. Yes, that could be a long time, given that it is averaged out among many women, so some menopause symptoms last much longer than this, but for others it is much shorter. Five years is about the average length, and it can seem like 5 years too many. All you can do is hope that you are one who can have the shorter menopausal cycle!
If you are experiencing menapausal symptoms that are bothering you a great deal, like the hot flashes, then you obviously need to see your doctor. In fact your doctor can tell from a blood test whether you are starting menopause or whether your symptoms are caused by something else. There are medications, like hormone replacement therapy, or hrt that the doctor can prescribe if you need something to help you during this time, but your options are something you need to discuss with him or her because of possible side effects.
One of the best things you can do for yourself, whether you are heading toward menapause, or you are already in that cycle is to eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly, so that you are as healthy as possible. It will help you feel better, and with any luck, your menopause or menapause will be a short one!
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