How long does the menopause last?

I was determined to go it alone & not take HRT but after 8 years of peri menopause with pretty much every symptom known to woman the one that tipped me over the edge was the aching bones. Some days they were so painful I could barely move, I was 50. I've been on bioidentical HRT for 18 months now & most of my symptoms have disappeared. It's been an ongoing battle with doctors who know little or nothing about HRT as well as hospital checks & a small gynae op last week but I'm so glad I made that choice. It seriously has given me my life back.

Really interesting reading all the replies - the variation is fascinating. I'm 56 and about 8 years into hot flushes, with woolly brain, forgetfulness inability to concentrate and low mood developing in the last few years. It's bloomin miserable, and am so tempted by HRT. Am very envious of those who dodge all these ghastly symptoms - if there was a choice I'd have my periods back any day as they weren't much of a problem!

I too am on the lowest possible dose of oestrogen only HRT. If I come off I turn into the bitch from hell plus hot flushes, cold flushes, memory loss, the works! I've been taking HRT since I had a full hysterectomy in my early fifties, I'm now 68. I have tried to slowly wean myself off a couple of times but the threat of divorce has sent me scuttling back for more pills! Apparently, the latest reports say low oestrogen only HRT is fine, for as long as you want it.

So, I think the menopause can last as long as you can take it!

The only thing that keeps me hot flush free is my daily low dose HRT pill. I've tried to come off them a couple of times but when I do, back come the hot flushes.

Thanks CrazyDaisy, I have medication to stop my periods if they get too heavy and I am seeing the colposcopy team on Monday at the Women's Health Centre for a cervical biopsy. With this in mind, I will ring the lovely nurse there tomorrow and ask if I should take the medication and stop this period and then the procedure can take place. She did say the last time I spoke to her that I could have the lining of my womb cauterised or something and to speak to the lady doing my biopsy on Monday. Either that or a coil fitted. So I will listen and then make a choice. I am on prescribed iron tablets also. Oh, isn't this fun?

I'm 62 and had HRT for a few years until my dr told me to stop once he knew my family history(my mum and her sister both died of breast cancer)
The flushes started again,the poor mood and forgetfulness.Ive now had blood tests which show I'm bordering on Diabetes,which was a shock but I have to say since I've started eating more protein and veg and fats all of the above have improved dramatically,seriously.
I've cut down on the carbs big time.cant quite believe the improvement.might be worth a try for a couple of weeks?

It can be quite miserable for some, I'm still getting hot flushes, must be about fourteen years now, but they are getting lighter. I feel sorry for our mothers who, I don't think, were really able to talk about it the way we can now. Times change, these forums can help in ways that we couldn't imagine years ago.

rubylady If you're anaemic and bleeding heavily, go and see your GP. The dizziness is a sign that the anaemia needs addressing.

I was diagnosed as being dangerously anaemic due to heavy and irregular periods which were caused by fibroids. Had a hysterectomy and Yahoo! problem sorted (saved me a lot of money formerly spent on sanitary products too).

Sadly the operation didn't stop the hot flushes, even 18 years later, though they're not as bad as they used to be,

I was 58 when I finished my menopause but I still get hot flushes I wake up in the night so hot even in the winter and I got a lower tog duvet thinking it might help but it didn't

Light period now turning into something heavier and more painful, after 6 days. Also feel quite dizzy but then, being diagnosed anaemic and losing even more blood, maybe that is the reason, what do you think?

Ooooops that reads badly!!

Now in year 24th year of flushes!! Latest cool pillow arrived this morning.?

55 for me. I had op for polyps and nothing after that.

I had a very early menopause. I was about 36/37 when my periods became erratic and by 39 they had stopped. I'm 55 now and still get hot flushes. Apparently if your mother had an early one then it's not uncommon for you too also.

I'm 62 and had been suffering from terrible night sweats and flushes through the day for several years. Someone I know recommended Red Clover and I am pleased to report that it has definitely reduced my sweats and flushes considerably. I do also take Menopace Plus botanicals with green tea and sage extract as well as Menopace Night with hops and chamomile so it may well be that it is the combination of these natural ingredients which has eased my symptoms. Not cheap but worth every penny as far as I am concerned. Have a look on Amazon UK at the reviews.

too bloody long, if you ask me

The menopause would not have evolved if we were supposed to be dead by 50.
There are one or two other animals (only) that have a menopause and they, like us, have a very long childhood with a lot to learn.
It makes sense to stop having babies while still young enough to raise the last of the brood and also assist with the raising of grandchildren.

No help to OP, mind you! ?

My periods suddenly became regular at about age 48 or so. They never had been before. I was petrified I'd suddenly become fertile after two fertility treatment babies and a surprise in between but luckily no late baby arrived! Over a couple of years my periods tailed off. I was attending a wedding in church when the last one started. I never had any of the nasty effects of menopause, thank goodness.

In my case, about 6 weeks of sweaty nights, but then, it was a hot summer, so not sure about cause and effect. I was one of the lucky ones. I was only 43, so it's a distant memory now.

I found peri menopause to be worse strangely. I had terrible flushes and sweats.
The Dr was reluctant to give me HRT but I do use vagifem which is wonderful.
I had my last period just over a year ago and apart from the odd flush, usually in the evening for some reason, I have very few problems at all.
If it continues like this, I shall consider myself very lucky judging by the stories I've heard from others.

Not odd Elysium, just lucky!

I've been having symptoms for 18 years (now 63). Once I realised what was happening, it was easier to cope with. I'll still take the hot flushes, irritablilty & mood swings over periods any day! Alternatives never made any difference and I don't do non-recreatioal drugs so no HRT for me.

Have read that the menopause is actually not natural as we are supposed to be dead by then! Perhaps having it is a bonus

I had a late menopause too. I was 58. I felt pretty well apart from bouts of tiredness and palpitations. The latter are only just dwindling. I'm 70 in a few weeks time.
Listening to relaxation CDs helped a lot.
Sorry if someone wants to slap me, but I can do sweaty exercise without HRT. The exercise is a ploy to get my waist size under control - which has expanded horribly, as has my bust. That could be the chocolate though!
Chin up Battycat. There are solutions out there. I hope you find the ones that work for you.