3 Stages of Menopause & How Long do the Symptoms of Menopause Last?

Whether you’re experiencing the very first stages of menopause (perimenopause) or have been settled into menopause for several years, you’ll be happy to know that every single stage has an endpoint. Women typically begin to experience perimenopause in their late 40s and early 50s, with some women experiencing “surgical menopause” or “forced menopause” after a hysterectomy, an oophorectomy, cancer treatment and other situations. The Cool-jams™ blog is here to help you learn the ins and outs of the menopause timeline.

• Perimenopause — If you’ve noticed that your periods have subsided and are in the target menopause age range or have had a surgery that may kick-start menopause, it’s likely that you’re experiencing perimenopause. This period can begin up to 10 years before menopause but typically lasts around four years, and occurs when your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Perimenopause ends when menopause begins, and after a woman hasn’t had a period in 12 months. Typically lasts around four years, but some women report their perimenopause symptoms lasting as few as a few months and as long as 10 years.
• Menopause — Once you haven’t had your period in 12 months, you’ve officially entered the menopause stage. In general, women report experiencing menopause symptoms — hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats and others — for around four years. With that being said, many women report experiencing menopause for only one year, while others experience menopause symptoms well into the post-menopause phase. Menopause ends when post-menopause begins. Typically lasts four years on average. Most women report menopause symptoms easing slowly during menopause.
• Post-Menopause — This is menopause’s “cool-down” period. During this phase, you’re likely to still experience hot flashes, mood changes, urinary issues and other common menopause symptoms, but may notice less intensity and frequency. Some women report experiencing menopause symptoms for as long as 10 years after the beginning of perimenopause, but for most women that timeframe is significantly shorter.Typically lasts into a woman’s 60s. Some women experience all three stages of menopause in as few as four years, while others report menopause symptoms for up to 10 years.

Wherever you are on your menopause journey, Cool-jams sleep products are here to help make the journey just a little bit better.