Menopausal Transition Timeline

Data released from the National Institutes of Health based on a national health survey of over 1400 women indicates that the average duration of menopause symptoms is 7.4 years. Also indicated in the study, those women that experienced early onset of symptoms may experience an additional 4 years of symptoms.

Menopause symptoms can be associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, higher cardiovascular risk, and reduced quality of life. The research is intended to help set realistic expectations and encourage communication between healthcare professionals and women regarding menopause and related symptoms.

Overall, researchers have declared that women between the ages of 42-52 years old can expect to experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats for an average of 7.4 years. However, it is possible that some of these women may experience symptoms for as many as 11 years. In the meantime, there are a variety of treatment options available to help alleviate menopause symptoms and ease the transition.