Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, associated with the end of hormonal activity of the ovaries. Many myths have grown around it, especially regarding the age of onset and duration of symptoms. Does menopause begin suddenly? How many years can it last? When is it considered to be over? In this article, we answer the most common questions, dispelling doubts and helping you understand what to expect.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the last period a woman has in her life, followed by 12 months of no bleeding. It is a moment, not a process—but it is preceded by a long transition period called perimenopause, and followed by postmenopause. This entire cycle of hormonal changes usually lasts several years.

At what age does menopause begin?

• The average age of menopause in Poland is about 51 years.
• In 95% of women, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
• If it occurs before the age of 40, it is called premature menopause (PME)
• Between the ages of 40 and 45 – this is early menopause

The age of menopause depends mainly on:

• genetics (age of menopause of mother and grandmother)
• smoking cigarettes (may accelerate menopause by 1–2 years)
• autoimmune diseases
• oncological treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
• body weight and lifestyle

How long does menopause and its symptoms last?

Menopause as a moment lasts one day – that is the date of the last menstrual period.

Ale objawy i zmiany hormonalne rozciągają się na kilka lat:

1. Perimenopause (transition period)

• It usually starts between the ages of 40 and 48.
• lasts from 2 to even 10 years
• the following symptoms appear: irregular cycles, hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disorders

2. Menopause (moment of last menstrual period)

• diagnosed retrospectively – after 12 months without bleeding
• average age: 51 years

3. Postmenopause (life after menopause)

• begins after menopause and lasts for the rest of life
• some symptoms (vaginal dryness, osteoporosis) may become more severe with age
• vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) usually subside within 3–5 years, but in some women they last longer⁽¹⁾

How long do menopausal symptoms last?

• Hot flashes and night sweats – average 4–7 years, but may occur for 10 years or longer in 20–30% of women⁽²⁾
• Insomnia, mood swings – usually accompany perimenopause and the first years of postmenopause
• Vaginal dryness and decreased libido – these can persist for years and even get worse without treatment
• Metabolic and bone disorders – develop gradually in postmenopause, often without symptoms

When will menopause end?

Menopause itself only lasts a short while, but when it comes to the duration of symptoms:

• the most bothersome symptoms usually last from 2 to 7 years
• in some women they disappear more quickly (especially with early intervention: diet, HRT, lifestyle)
• some symptoms (e.g. vaginal dryness, osteoporosis) may persist for life without treatment

There is no single, rigid moment when the “menopausal period” ends – it will be an individual path for each woman.

Can the age of menopause be predicted?

It is impossible to predict the exact age of menopause, but there are some indicators:

• age of menopause of mother and sisters – strong genetic factor
• AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) level – low levels may indicate approaching menopause
• menstrual cycle disorders and symptoms of perimenopause – indicate that the process has begun

However, there is no test that will clearly tell you “when exactly your menopause will occur.”

Menopause is a natural but complex process. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, and symptoms can last from a few to a dozen years. For many women, it is a challenge – both physical and emotional. Understanding when and how menopause occurs helps to prepare for it and go through it more easily. Awareness, prevention and appropriate support – both medical and psychological – are key.

Footnotes

• Freeman EW et al. Duration of menopausal hot flushes: a longitudinal study. JAMA Intern Med. 2015.
• Avis NE et al. Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med. 2015.