Menopause Symptoms Can Linger for Seven Years or Longer
Menopause symptoms can linger for seven years or longer, say researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
In a large study of menopausal women across the US, researchers found that on average, symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can last for 7.5 years. Black and Hispanic women continue to experience symptoms for even longer.
The new study debunks previous theories that menopause symptoms last only for six months to two years. According to JoAnn Manson, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, “Many women have moderate-to-severe hot flashes, night sweats that interrupt sleep and adversely affect their ability to function and work and their social life. This is a real problem for many women.”
The study found that almost 80% of the women experienced moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats. Women who started getting symptoms while their periods were regular or hadn’t disappeared completely had frequent hot flashes and night sweats that lasted more than 11 years on average. Those who got the symptoms after their last period experienced them for the shortest duration of about 3.5 years. More research is needed on why this is the case. Research is also needed on alternative treatments for menopause.
Experts recommend dealing with hot flashes and night sweats by adjusting room temperature, avoiding hot beverages and spicy foods. Yoga and other forms of exercise may also help.
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