Does Menopause Last Forever?

You know menopause is coming. It’s a natural part of being a woman. What you don’t know is how long it will last.

Menopause occurs when ovulation and menstruation end. When and how that happens isn’t the same for all women.

Natural Menopause

If nothing interferes, a woman enters menopause naturally around the age of 50. Symptoms may begin subtly, as early as 10 years before menopause. Once you enter natural menopause, it’s permanent.

Surgical Menopause

Surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are removed during a surgical procedure called an oophorectomy. With no ovaries, ovulation ceases forever and leads to instant and permanent menopause.

Premature Menopause

Sometimes menopause occurs earlier than expected because the ovaries fail prematurely. Causes include illness, medical procedures, medication, and genetics.

Temporary Menopause

Chemical, or pseudo, menopause occurs when medication is used to induce menopause. It may be done in cases of gynecologic cancer, endometriosis, or other health conditions. Depending what is used to create chemical menopause, it can be temporary and reversed.

Menopause Symptoms

Whether you’ve entered menopause temporarily or permanently, the symptoms of menopause don’t have to be forever. There are a number of treatment options to choose from, depending on the cause and type of symptoms you experience. You and your doctor can go over your medical history and health situation to decide what is best for you.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: Does Menopause Last Forever?