When Does Menopause End? Understanding the End of Menopause

Menopause is the time when a woman's body stops the menstruation cycle and becomes infertile. This normally starts when a woman is in her early 50s. Common symptoms of menopause include mood swings, hot flashes and insomnia. These symptoms can often be disruptive and annoying. Menopause lasts a different length of time for each woman.

Definition

• A woman's menopause is considered done when she has not menstruated (had a period or spotting) in a year or more. This age varies from woman to woman, but is usually after age 60.

Early Menopause

• According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause can be brought on early if a woman has undergone treatment for cancer, had a hysterectomy, is suffering from an eating disorder or suffers from premature ovarian failure.

Warning

• The average length of time for menopause is 10 years. Many doctors recommend that birth control be used all throughout this time to avoid pregnancy, which can potentially kill a woman over 50.

Vaginal Bleeding

• According to Dr. J Glenn Bradley, MD, vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal and can be a sign of polyps, ovarian cysts or ovarian cancer. Any bleeding after menopause should be checked out by a doctor or gynecologist.

Fun Fact

• The oldest woman ever to get pregnant and successfully give birth was 70 year old Rajo Devi; the egg, however, had been donated.