How long does it take to go into menopause?

Hi,
Thank you for taking my question.  My wife is in her early 50's and her period has been waining over the past year or so.  Her ob/gyn told her that based on her bloodwork, she is still not in menopause.

How long does it typically take for a woman to completely transition into menopause.

Thanks in advance.
Joey

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. Menopause is a transition that usually takes a decade to complete.  It begins in the forties and ends with the woman

[Babycakes1]

Hi and thank you very much for your reply.

Regarding; " ask her to talk to her doctor about taking calcium supplements, a multivitamin, and having a colonoscopy and a bone density"

Yes, she as just gone for a routing exam with her gyn, and that is precisely what the doctor ordered!

Again much thanks for your time and this great forum.

Joe

[skytower]

i started skipping my periods last year. on a month and one a month.  then i skipped a few.   Then about 4 months ago It stopped altogether and my skin got so hot and the sweats were so bad, i drove to the local drug store in a see through nothing covering it some and told the pharmistist that if i put on anything more, i would faint!  

she laughed and gave me some estrol natural extra strength, and although i noticed my blood pressure was also going through the roof, it soon seem much better.

I have not had any other things happen. no mood swings, or anything.  I just stopped having periods and now, after the 4th month, i seem back under control.  

I do overheat faster at times, but seems all in all under control.  is all this normal.  Other than the sudden sweats here and there, i am pretty normal feeling.

anything i should look out for or should know.
if that was all it, i think my body is dealing with it pretty good.