This is probably one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions we get from patients: how long does menopause last?‍

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When you’re so immersed in your symptoms, or when women older and wiser than you have warned you about the years of discomfort and stress coming your way… all you want is for someone to say: “Well, this too shall pass!”

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The answer, however, is probably not what you expect:

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In my opinion, menopause lasts forever. And this is not an exaggeration.

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What Menopause Really Is

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Menopause is a natural state of being. It’s not something you can rush or skip in the name of efficiency. It begins with the definitive end of your periods — and it comes with ups and downs. But here’s the important part: it’s also a stage of life in which you can continue living your life in the best, most fulfilling way. 

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That’s why I wish menopause didn’t have such a negative connotation.  

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What About Perimenopause?

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There’s also perimenopause — the transitional stage leading up to menopause, when your cycles start spacing out or changing. The challenge is that perimenopause can only be recognized in hindsight: you look back and realize when your periods started shifting.

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And symptoms often begin well before your cycles change.

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But okay, I get it — who cares about the label. The real question is: 

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How long does this ACTUALLY last?

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How Long Does Menopause Last?

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Here’s the thing: it varies largely. 

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Some patients (lucky ones!) have no symptoms: one day their period just stops and bam! — no hot flashes, no major changes.  

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Then there are those of us who start noticing some body changes, or they have this feeling they are losing their minds around our late 30’s or early 40’s. These symptoms start building up (insomnia, weight gain, hair loss, mood changes), and they can last anywhere from a few years to 10 years.

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The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 52–53, but symptoms tend to decrease in most women by ages 55–56.

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Studies even show variations in menopause symptoms based on BMI and ethnicity, meaning there truly is no one-size-fits-all rule.

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What You Should Take Away

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The point of this post isn’t to scare you, but to remind you that your menopause journey is unique — which is why you shouldn’t pay attention to any fear mongering discourse about (peri)menopause. After all, no one else’s experience will predict yours.

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As time goes by, you’ll learn how to decode your body’s signs. Our role as OB/GYNs is to listen to both your symptoms and your intuition, guiding you toward the right treatments or lifestyle changes for your unique case.

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So, to put it simply: menopause will last as long as your body needs it to. But that doesn’t mean you  need to suffer through it.

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If you’re having a hard time dealing with your symptoms — whether it is for months or years — come see us at Gliss! We offer a 15-min FREE consultation with us to get a personalized care plan just for you. 

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And remember: there’s no golden medal for suffering through menopause. Instead, give yourself some flowers, show yourself compassion, and take care of your health —  no matter where you are in your journey!