Questions of Midlife - What Age Does Menopause Start, and How Long Does it Last?

Questions like, "What age does menopause start?" and, "How long does menopause last?" are fairly common in the middle years. Most women are looking for an idea of what to expect, and when. One of the things that make it confusing - as well as being difficult to answer - is the terminology used by medical professionals. So first, let me explain some of those terms in plain English. Technically, menopause is the last period that a woman ever has, but that can only be determined after the fact.

During the years leading up to that last period, menstruation is often erratic. It's not unusual for a woman to miss several periods, and then have another. The flow may be heavier or lighter. Spotting is also common during this time. But since spotting can indicate a medical problem, it's important to have regular Pap smears and follow the check-up schedule that your doctor prescribes for you.

• After a woman has gone a full year without having a period, she is said to be "post-menopausal"


• The term "pre-menopause" is used to describe the time leading up to the last period, when periods are often irregular and other symptoms, such as hot flashes, may appear


• The term "peri-menopause" is used to describe the time before, during and after the last period

Now, that you understand those terms, let's look at what age menopause starts, on average.

In Western societies the average age of the last period is 51. In developing countries, the median age is 44. When the last period occurs between the age of 55 and 60, it is considered "late-menopause." If it occurs between the ages of 45 and 50, it is considered "early."

The answer to how long does menopause last? Well technically, it is a single day - the last day of the last period.

But if you're wondering how long the symptoms last, that's quite a different matter, not dependent on the age that menopause begins.

Women can begin to feel the effects of lowering hormonal levels as early as age 35. However, women that are in good health may never experience any symptoms at all, except, of course, that they stop having their periods.

Women who are not in the best of health (or perhaps don't know about natural supplements that reduce symptoms) may tell you that menopause lasts 10 years or more. I had a friend once say to me, "Honey, it lasts the rest of your life."

On the other end of the spectrum are women that never paid any attention to how long does menopause last, because they never had any unwanted symptoms.

If you smoke and you want to know what age menopause starts, you can expect it a little earlier than average. You are also more likely to have hot flashes and other unwanted symptoms.

If you have older female relatives, you may be able to guesstimate how long does menopause last, by asking them how long they had symptoms. However, there really is no sure way to determine ahead of time at what age will menopause start.

But no matter when menopause begins or how long it lasts for you, it is possible to avoid the undesirable symptoms with a good diet, appropriate supplements, and healthy lifestyle.