How long does menopause last?

by Louise
(NYC)

Please can you tell me how long does menopause last? I am 46 and my periods are suddenly coming every 2-3 weeks, not like before when they were regular.

Elizabeth's reply:

Louise, the length of menopause varies enormously. Some women have an abrupt menopause, where their periods simply stop over a timespan of 6 months. For others the process is much more gradual, and from the time when they first notice changes such as you're experiencing, to the time when they finally stop menstruating can be several years.

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