If a woman is 55 or older and still hasn’t begun menopause, doctors would consider it late-onset menopause. According to the Center for Menstrual Disorders and Reproductive Choice, the average age for menopause is 51. Menopause can often last well into a woman’s 50s.

The first sign of the menopause is usually a change in the normal pattern of your periods. You may start having either unusually light or heavy periods. The frequency of your periods may also be affected. You may have them every 2 or 3 weeks, or you may not have them for months at a time.

Most symptoms of menopause are permanent, unless the woman takes hormones or other medications. Hot flashes usually last about two years, but for 15%-20% of women, they never go away. Insomnia or sleep disturbances also can continue to be a problem.

Fluctuating hormones during the menopause can cause leg aches, cramps, swelling, cellulite and even hotness. By exercising, ensuring good circulation to our lower extremities, a good intake of water and a well-rounded diet, we can minimise menopause leg issues.

A hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, which is usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. Your skin might redden, as if you’re blushing. A hot flash can also cause sweating. If you lose too much body heat, you might feel chilled afterward.

After menopause, your risk of certain medical conditions increases. Examples include: Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. When your estrogen levels decline, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases.

When beginning menopause, women may also note slight changes to premenstrual symptoms. Cramping or heavier bleeding may occur, headaches are common, and mood swings or depression may be present not only during or before your period, but also during the rest of the month.

At times, women cannot hold the urine long enough and it leaks. When you ask when is menopause over, you should know that problems with memory are likewise typical. Of course, memory decline is typical for all people when they age. Nonetheless, it’s combination with other symptoms may tell you that the stage is over.

The most common symptoms experienced during early menopause are: Hot flashes. Night sweats. Irregular periods. Decreased libido. Vaginal dryness. Mood swings.

The average age of U.S. women at the time of menopause is 51 years. The most common age range at which women experience menopause is 48-55 years. Premature menopause is defines as menopause occurring in a woman younger than 40 years.