How Long Will Menopausal Transition Symptoms Last
Menopause is technically one full year without bleeding, and perimenopause is the stage before the final menstrual period, also known as the menopausal transition. Puberty and perimenopause are similar in that they both involve hormonal changes, and the transitions can take place over several years. Some medical organizations, such as the American Osteopathic Association, refer to perimenopause as reverse puberty in women.
According to NAMS, this phase can last four to eight years, and it comes with symptoms caused by hormone fluctuations, such as mood swings, poor sleep, and hot flashes.
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The age at which a woman begins perimenopause can help predict how long the transition to menopause will last, according to research published in the journal Menopause in February 2017. The authors found that perimenopause lasted longer in women who started the transition at a younger age, and the women had more symptoms, such as hot flashes.
How Long Does The Transition To Menopause Last
Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, can last between two and eight years before your periods stop permanently. For most women, this transition to menopause lasts about four years. You will know you have reached menopause only after it has been a full year since your last period. This means you have not had any bleeding, including spotting, for 12 months in a row.
Symptoms Of Missed Periods In Teens
Lack of menstrual bleeding is the main symptom of amenorrhea. The other signs and symptoms may depend on the cause.
These may include :
- Weight loss or gain: This can be seen in teenage athletes and those with eating disorders and thyroid problems.
- Facial hair, hair loss, acne: These symptoms can be associated with polycystic ovarian disease and other hormonal imbalances.
- Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting can often be seen in the case of pregnancy.
These are signs and symptoms of conditions that may contribute to amenorrhea. You may visit your teens healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
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How Long Are Normal Perimenopause Periods
Ordinarily, your menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts from 2 to 7 days. However, perimenopause periods can last much longer. Some months, the ovaries might not produce sufficient levels of estrogen and progesterone, preventing menstruation altogether. Other months, the imbalance might cause the uterine lining to become overly thick, which means it will take longer to be shed by your body to shed.
Excessive bleeding and long periods are fairly common during perimenopause. Many women experience an increased flow and extended perimenopause periods before entering menopause.
If youve had periods that are several days longer or more frequent or heavier than usual, its a good idea to see your doctor.
Doing Too Much Exercise
The stress that intense physical activity places on your body can affect the hormones responsible for your periods. Losing too much body fat through intense exercise can also stop you ovulating.
You’ll be advised to reduce your level of activity if excessive exercise has caused your periods to stop.
If you’re a professional athlete, you may benefit from seeing a doctor who specialises in sports medicine. They’ll be able to give you advice about how to maintain your performance without disrupting your periods.
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When Can You Expect Perimenopause
Chances are, if youre between the ages of 45-50, your irregular periods are a sign of perimenopause. The average age a woman starts the menopausal transition is 47.
While we cannot predict when this will occur for you, the age your mother began to experience symptoms may be a good indicator. Smokers tend to reach menopause earlier than non smokers as well.
What Are The Stages Leading Up To Menopause
After puberty, there are three other phases of female fertility:
- Pre-menopause: Women have full ovarian function, regularly produce estrogen and ovulate.
- Perimenopause: The ovaries begin to fluctuate in their ovulation and production of estrogen, which can result in unpredictable menstrual cycles and symptoms.
- Menopause: When the ovaries have shut down. Someone would be in menopause after 12 months without menses.
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The Course Of Perimenopause
A change in your periods is often the first sign of perimenopause, but there are other signs to look out for. The most common are hot flashes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and a decrease in sex drive. Not every woman will experience all of these symptoms. For those who have symptoms, they may come in any order.
Once these symptoms arrive, most women can expect menopause itself to be a few years away.
There are many treatments to help with bothersome symptoms like hot flashes and sleeplessness. Even a few years of hormone therapy can help you get through the worst of it.
If you are prone to anxiety or depression, know that perimenopause can bring those conditions back to the surface. Finding a support network can make a big difference. Antidepressants also may be an option.
When Should I See A Doctor For Menopause Help
The way you experience each stage of menopause will be unique. For example, maybe you dont get hot flashes, but insomnia leaves you feeling tired and irritable. Or perhaps the first sign of change is vaginal dryness.
Menopause symptoms can often be managed by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking advantage of home remedies or over-the-counter medications.
But if your symptoms are intense enough to affect daily activities or keep you from doing the things you love, it may be time to seek advice and care for menopause symptoms.
OB-GYNs and certified nurse-midwives, along with experienced nurse practitioners and other womens health experts, can listen to your concerns and symptoms, and work with you to create a personalized care plan. Care options might include lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy , and supplements or medications.
Some menopause symptoms might be harder to talk about than others but dont wait. Womens health specialists have heard it all, and they have the expertise needed to help you manage menopause symptoms. The sooner they know whats bothering you, the sooner they can help you find the right way to manage your symptoms.
Ready to talk menopause? Were here for you at any age and any stage.
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When Does Perimenopause Start
The average age of menopause is 51, and perimenopausal symptoms typically begin about four years before your final period. Most women start to notice perimenopause symptoms in their 40s. But perimenopause can happen a little earlier or later, too. The best predictor of when your final period will be is the age at which your mother entered menopause .
If you had cancer treatment as a child or you’re a smoker, you may experience perimenopausal symptoms earlier. Smokers generally reach menopause two or three years earlier than nonsmokers.
Menopause Symptoms At Age 40
For the majority of women, menopause symptoms dont start this early. If menopause happens before age 40, its called premature menopause. If it happens between ages 40-45, its known as early menopause. Fewer than 10% of women experience premature or early menopause.
But if youre in your early 40s and are regularly experiencing symptoms such as changes to your periods timing or flow, hot flashes, mood changes or sleep problems, dont ignore them. Talk with a womens health specialist.
A specialist like an OB-GYN or certified nurse-midwife can work with you to determine whether your symptoms are related to menopause, or another reason such as hormonal disorders or other health conditions.
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Q What Can I Do About Perimenopausal Weight Gain
Who Can Still Get Pregnant
The bottom line is if you havent reached menopause defined as 12 straight months without a period you can still get pregnant. Dr. Bembry acknowledges that some women develop a false sense of security when they go off birth control and go for years without becoming pregnant.
Similarly, women with a history of infertility might assume they cant get pregnant in their 40s. The same goes for women with premature ovarian failure. While these patients may look like theyre menopausal, they can still ovulate and become pregnant.
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I Am 49 Years Old And My Period Stopped 3 Months Ago
Patient: I am 49 years old and my period stopped 3 months ago. I have been experiencing a burning pain on the left side. It also feels like it is itching and I have pain along my low back. What could this be?
Optional InformationAge: 49Already Tried: Pelvic exam one in July. It was normal.
Doctor: Please let me know if this is deep pelvic discomfort or superficialas if your skin is burning or itching. Any history of heavy periods or this type of pain in the past? Any history of cancer in you or your family?
Patient: The discomfort is deep and sharp and the burning and itching sensation is coming from within. I have never had heavy periods. The last period I had was in August. I have not had cancer. My mom had breast cancer. Ive had 3 separate experiences with cysts but the last time was in the mid-90s.
Doctor: This certainly is concerning for an ovarian cyst. However, pelvic discomfort is sometimes related to your bowel function. If you have not had diarrhea or constipation, I recommend visiting your ob/gyn. Your mother having breast cancer may put you at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer if related to a genetic disorder , however, this is usually more certain if youve had at least two close relatives with cancer or if your mother was tested for BRCA and was positive. After discussing your symptoms with your doctor, pelvic discomfort/low back pain, immediately an ultrasound should be ordered to rule out any ovarian masses. Best wishes!
Thank You Second Springers For Commenting
Have a read of the very useful comments and discussions below to gain an understanding of the variety of women’s’ experiences of periods around the time of perimenopause. Many thanks to these fabulous Second Spring women for taking the time to comment and share their experiences. We all learn so much from each other. This menopause conversation needs to be louder and clearer to stop women from suffering in silence and feeling very isolated.
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It’s Easy To Get The Care You Need
See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.
As you head toward the big change, keep in mind that diaper changes arent quite out of the picture just yet. You can still get pregnant during perimenopause defined as the years leading up to your final period.
This menopausal transition brings unpredictable ovulation cycles as estrogen and progesterone hormone levels go up and down. During these years of yo-yoing hormone levels, your ovaries continue to release eggs for fertilization. Translation: You can still become pregnant.
Premier Health Ob/Gyn physician J. Scott Bembry, MD, says hes seen a handful of patients in his own practice whove become unintentionally pregnant in their late 40s.
Q When Should I Call A Doctor About My Perimenopausal Symptoms
If you have not had a period for 12 months and then experience vaginal bleeding, contact your doctor. It is not normal for bleeding to recur after this period of time. Read our article about when you should see your OBGYN.
Remember, perimenopause and menopause are natural and normal transitions, but they can be stressful. Many symptoms can be managed which can help you regain a sense of control, well-being, and confidence to thrive in your next stage of life.
We want you to feel supported, heard, and cared for as you go through this change.
Sometimes, the biggest help is simply confirmation that what youre experiencing is normal!
Dr. Ashley Durward has been providing healthcare to women in Madison since 2015 and joined Madison Womens Health in 2019, specializing in high and low risk obstetrics, contraception and preconception counseling, management of abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic floor disorders, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
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How To Tell If Youre Pregnant Or Perimenopausal
Many pregnant women have no symptoms other than a missed period, which could be confused with perimenopause. If youre in perimenopause and are having irregular periods, pregnancy should be considered, Dr. Bembry explains, especially if youre not using contraception.
He advises pregnancy tests on women up to age 52 or even 60 if menopause has not been confirmed and no form of contraception has been used. This is especially important for patients with abdominal symptoms, which could be a sign of a life-threatening tubal pregnancy.
Denying or ignoring possible pregnancy can delay medical care, which could be risky. Both the risk of miscarriage and having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality increase with age. Pregnancy can be so far out of patients minds that they seek care further along than youd normally see, he says.
The bottom line is if you havent reached menopause defined as 12 straight months without a period you can still get pregnant.
When Do Periods Stop At Menopause
There can be gaps of up to 12 months between periods. You could go for 3-4 months without a period and the have a regular period for a few months
When having sex it is well advised to use contraception for up to 24 months after our last period. If you are having intermittent periods then you are most likely still ovulating and could become pregnant.
Changes in the monthly cycle are an indication that you are in perimenopause. There is no typical pattern of change – each woman can experience a combination of different symptoms.
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Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, with over 85% of women reporting hot flashes. Hormone changes affect your bodys internal thermostat. A hot flash feels like a wave or sensation of heat across your face, neck, and chest. It can last for several minutes. Hot flashes can happen a few times a day, a few times a week, or less often.
Hot flashes that happen at night are called night sweats, which can cause women to wake up drenched in sweat and disturb sleep. Women are more likely to report hot flashes at night.
Menopause Symptoms At Age 55 And Above
Around age 55, most women have entered their post-menopausal years. After menopause, your body adjusts to the lower amount of estrogen and progesterone, and many women feel more productive, alert and free now that they dont have to worry about birth control or managing a period.
Post-menopausal years do bring some new symptoms with them, however. Some things to expect include:
Dryer or thinner skin and hair
Estrogen plays a role in collagen production. Collagen makes up your skin, hair, bones and many other tissues around your body. Because your estrogen levels are lower after menopause, your skin or hair may become dryer or thinner.
Vaginal dryness or sensitivity
Lower estrogen levels can also cause vaginal tissue to become dryer and thinner. This may result in discomfort or pain during sex.
Vaginal dryness or sensitivity usually happens after menopause, but it isnt unusual to notice it earlier. A moisturizer or lubricant can often relieve these symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.
Pelvic floor muscle problems
Did you know that estrogen also helps support the sides of your bladder? Less estrogen can lead to weaker pelvic floor muscles. Thats why urinary incontinence and frequent urination can be common after menopause. Your doctor can help you identify the best treatment options to improve your symptoms, including lifestyle changes, pelvic floor therapy or medication.
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Is It Normal To Miss Periods
A disappearing period may seem ideal for many women, but if it stops suddenly or unexpectedly, there may be cause for concern.Secondary amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation for three months or more in a patient who previously had normal cycles, affects up to 5 percent of menstruating women every year. While pregnancy is the most common cause, Geri Hewitt, MD, Ob-Gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says that a variety of factors can cause a period to disappear, and many can be and should be evaluated and possibly require treated by a medical professional.Missing periods may indicate of poor health, Dr. Hewitt says. If a woman notices her period goes away and doesnt come back for a few months, she should rule out the possibly of pregnancy and seek medical attention to figure out the cause.
Missed Period For Three Months Why
The average length of a normal menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days. It means most women usually have 11-13 menstrual cycles in a year. However, you may always experience changes to your menstrual cycle due to many factors. Some women become seriously worried when they have no period for 3 months or longer. It is not always a cause of concern, but you may want to see your doctor if you do not have a period for at least 40 days. The condition is called amenorrhea. There are definitely many reasons of amenorrhea. Keep reading to find out more.
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