15 Shocking Facts About Menopause

The results from the world’s largest study on menopause are finally in. Think you know everything about the big change? Get ready to learn more than a few shocking facts about menopause.

Perimenopause Can Start As Early As Your 30s

Some women start experiencing hormonal changes very early. In rare cases, some women start menopause in their 20s due to a rare condition called premature ovarian failure (POF).

Hot Flashes Can Start As Early As 40

For most women, the change starts around 51. But hot flashes can precede menopause by up to 10 years…

Men Can Get “Menopause” Too

Some men report lots of the same symptoms — mood swings, low sex drive and sexual dysfunction — in their late 40’s or early 50’s.

Hot Flashes Last An Average of 7.4 Years

You read that right: almost eight years.

They Can Last Up To 14 Years

Half of the subjects tested had hot flashes for 14 years. Half of them.

The Earlier Your Hot Flashes Come…

The longer you’ll have them. That means 40 to 54 could be pretty toasty…

But There’s Good News

You might not feel the hot flashes. Twenty percent of the women studied reported that they didn’t feel their hot flashes until they’d officially entered menopause. That meant only around 3 years of putting your head in the freezer on a hot day.

Not All Women Get Hot Flashes

Anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of women have a chance to bypass hot flashes altogether.

It Might Be Getting In The Way Of Your Diet

Diet and exercising and still struggling to lose weight? If you’re in your 30s, perimenopause could be the culprit.

Changes in your hormone levels may be encouraging your body to hold on to fat. Check with your doctor to find out if a diet change or hormone supplements might help the pounds come off.

The Later You Started Your Period, The Earlier Menopause Will Come

It’s tough to predict the age that any woman will start menopause. But studies show that late starters are often early starters.

Smoking Speeds Along Menopause Too

Smokers in general experience menopause earlier than average.

The More Children You Have, The Later Menopause Will Come

Those who drink alcohol daily have later-onset menopause too.

You Can Still Get Pregnant During Perimenopuase

It can be too soon to throw out the contraceptives. The second highest rate of unplanned pregnancy is among women who’s period has stopped. Only one year after your last period are you out of the possibly-pregnant zone.