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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How long does menopause last?

    Related Topics
    Menopause Women's Health
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    Jean Hailes for Women's Health

    Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a leader in women’s health, supported by funding from the Australian Government. We provide trusted and easy-to-understand information to … View Profile

    The menopause is the final menstrual period. You are considered post-menopause when it has been 12 months since your last period. The menopausal transition or ‘perimenopause’ is the time leading up to the last period, when symptoms occur. This usually lasts 2-6 years but can be longer in some women.

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    Dr Barry Wren

    Endocrinologist, Gynaecologist

    Dr Barry Wren was one of the original founders of the International Menopause Society in 1976 and subsequently founded the Australian Menopause Society, becoming its … View Profile

    The peri-menopause usually begins about the age of 45- 50  years but may occur earlier or years later. It is associated with irregular periods, irregular symptoms such as flushes, sweats, insomnia and mood changes, and lasts for 3-6 years before a woman has her final period. The menopause is literally the last day she menstruates, but the term is often applied to all those years following the day of her  menopause. Following the last menstrual bleed a woman is said to enter the post-menopause phase of her life, when no further estrogen or progesterone is produced by the ovary. This post-menopausal phase lasts until she dies (ususally 30 - 50 years after her menopause actually takes place).The post menopause is associated with osteoporosis, an increase in heart attacks, an increase in Alzheimers dementia and an increase in certain types of cancer as well as continuation of distressing menopausal symptoms.

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    Anonymous

    Those are some scary health conditions Dr Wren. What might a post menopausal woman do to minimise the risk of these things occuring?

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    Dr Carolyn Ee

    Acupuncturist, GP (General Practitioner)

    I'm a Sydney GP with a special interest in women's health especially menopause and TTC ( trying to conceive). I specialise in acupuncture, and am … View Profile

    See www.osteoporosis.org.au for information about how to prevent osteoporosis. Having an adequate calcium intake, and avoiding anything that reduces calcium in bones (such as excessive caffeine,fizzy drinks, salt and high protein diets) can help, as well as ensuring your Vitamin D level is adequate (checked with a blood test). Regular load-bearing exercise will help to keep your bones strong as well.

    Heart attack risk can be managed by ensuring your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are normal, and avoiding smoking. Reducing red meat intake can also help. A heart-friendly lifestyle includes regular aerobic exercise, reducing alcohol intake (which can raise the BP), reducing saturated (animal) fats in the diet, eating plenty of fiber, and  eating two serves of fish a week.

    Alzheimer's can be more difficult to prevent, however keeping your mind as active as possible, and exercising regularly can help.

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    AnnaSM

    HealthShare Member

    I agree, it is scary - I have suffered from severe menopause symptoms for years but have found a solution to my problems that I want to share with you. I am a female in my 50's and I have been pushed into severe menopause symptoms 2 years after having a hysterectomy.  

    The sudden crashing of my hormones after the operation pushed my body into chaos. I tried HRT and TCM and most other products and remedies available to me. I have been treated by many doctors, including my acupuncturist and herbalist and the Royal Women's Hospital Menopause Clinic in Sydney -  but nothing really worked for me. I then decided to try Reconnective Healing, provided by Time2heal in Sydney. I strongly urge anyone suffering from an illness or affliction to look at alternative approaches! Thanks to Reconnective Healing, I am now totally drug and herbal remedy free. No more expensive herbal and drug charges, my body has found true balance.
    I suggest you look them up on the internet, it help me and I am hoping it can help other women suffering from severe menopause symptoms.

    Anna

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    tracy green

    HealthShare Member

    Thanks cause in going threw it i woke up one morning crying couldn't was moody and i new i couldn't be pregant it was horrible i wish there was something to help me with menopause and depression ive had all my life i wish i could truely enjoy one day realy happy any pill out there to help

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    Jean Hailes for Women's Health

    Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a leader in women’s health, supported by funding from the Australian Government. We provide trusted and easy-to-understand information to … View Profile

    Jean Hailes for Women's Health provides reliable, evidence-based information on ways to manage symptoms and look after your health around menopause at www.managingmenopause.org.au/management, and on looking after your health as you age at www.ageingwell.org.au/life-stages

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