If you are wondering how long menopause lasts, rest assured that you aren’t alone. Transition to menopause can be pretty challenging. For some women, the transition could take several years and might lead to many unexpected symptoms that can affect their physical and mental health. If you’ve been experiencing severe and unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor for menopause treatment in Airoli. They will help guide you through this phase while ruling out the possibility of other medical issues.
Stages of Menopause
1) Perimenopause
Before you hit menopause, you will experience perimenopause. It occurs in the mid-to-late 40s, producing symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, and a disrupted sleep cycle.
2) Menopause
If you didn’t have a period for a year, you might have officially entered menopause — the stage that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. This happens around the 50s, though it could be as early as the early 40s for some women. At this stage, your estrogen levels will decline significantly, making symptoms like vaginal dryness, low libido, and low bone density more noticeable.
3) Postmenopause
The phase after menopause is considered postmenopause, and it lasts for a lifetime. Your symptoms will get better by this point, but some women report occasional hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Average Duration
It may take up to 7 years for a woman to experience menopausal symptoms until they finally enter menopause. It may last up to 14 years, with some women reporting symptoms that last longer than a decade. That’s particularly the case in women who enter menopause early (in their 40s).
Symptoms and Their Duration
Here are the common symptoms of menopause with their duration:
a) Hot Flashes:
You might feel a sudden wave of warmth in your upper part of the body. Hot flashes may last a few seconds to a minute or longer and may occur as frequently as multiple times a day or a few times a month. Hot flashes may last 7-10 years.
b) Mood Swings:
Women in their menopausal stage experience mood swings, elevated levels of stress and anxiety, and even depression. This is temporary and often resolves once your hormone levels stabilize.
c) Difficulty Sleeping:
Night sweats combined with anxiety can cause sleep disturbances. Some women develop insomnia. The symptoms mostly resolve postmenopause.
d) Vaginal Dryness:
You might feel vaginal dryness, low libido levels, and discomfort during intercourse. The symptoms may linger for a long while. You can consider lubricants and hormone therapy for relief.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Although these symptoms are normal, if you are unable to cope with the symptoms or if they are interfering with your daily life, you must visit the menopause clinic in Airoli and discuss your problems with a gynecologist. Here’s when it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional:
- You have frequent episodes of hot flashes and night sweats
- You feel emotionally withdrawn
- You notice bleeding after menopause
- You experience severe urinary issues, vaginal discomfort, and excessive dryness
Conclusion
A transition to menopause is a long and challenging journey. While it might last for years, the symptoms usually decrease in severity over time. Consult a professional to learn more about menopause and get timely treatment to manage symptoms.