When does menopause start?

The start of menopause varies from woman to woman and is dependent on many different factors, such as genes, physical activity and diet. Symptoms that indicate you have started menopause and the severity of the symptoms vary among women. Menopause doesn’t happen overnight, it is a long process that takes many years. The symptoms often are not obvious and can be difficult for women to interpret.

The phases of menopause normally occur among women ages 40-65. The average age when menopause hits is 50-52. But there is a wide span among women, everything from 45 to 65 years old. A few women become menopausal earlier and reach menopause already at age 45.