Frequently asked questions about menopause and its hormones
At what age does menopause start?
On average around age 51, between 40 and 58 depending on the woman (NICE, 2015). Menopause is defined as 12 months without a period. The transition starts several years earlier: cycles become irregular and FSH rises.
How long do hot flashes last?
A long time: in a large American study of 1,449 women, they lasted 7.4 years in total (median), including 4.5 years after the last period (Avis, 2015).
How long does perimenopause last?
Nearly 4 years on average: in a study of 2,570 women, it began at a median age of 47.5 (McKinlay, 1992). It varies widely from one woman to another. It starts when cycles become irregular and ends 12 months after the last period.
Can a blood test tell whether you are in menopause?
Not reliably during the transition, because FSH and estradiol vary a lot from one cycle to the next. After 45, the English guidelines advise relying on periods and symptoms, without a blood test (NICE, 2015).