How long does menopause last? — Ask Dr Jean

Answer

Menopause is actually the final menstrual period, resulting from reaching the end of the ovaries' egg supply. Whilst this is a single event, the symptoms associated with menopause can start to occur even 10 years before menopause, in 'perimenopause', and can persist many years after menopause in some women.

The usual age of menopause is between 45 and 55 years, with a median of 51 to 52 years. Around one fifth of women have no symptoms around menopause, and another 20% have severe symptoms (typically: flushes, sweats, sleep disturbance, mood fluctuations, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms).

A recent Melbourne study of over 2000 women reported that moderate to severe flushes were still experienced by 15.1% of women from age 55 to 59 years, and in 6.5% of women aged 60-65 years.

If bothersome menopausal symptoms persist, there are a number of options for management, including lifestyle measures, medications (hormonal and non-hormonal) and complementary therapies. These are outlined on our website here.

If menopause has occurred many years ago and there is a recurrence of symptoms then it is likely that there is another cause for symptoms. This should be assessed by someone with expertise in this area. Common culprits include medications but there are a number of other causes, and specialist advice may be required.