Most women reachmenopause, on average, by age 51 or 52.
However, this is an average andages vary.
Some women experience delayed menopause in their late 50s or early 60s.
Nattakorn Maneerat / Getty Images
Timing varies due to genetics, lifestyle, menstrual cycle patterns, and medications.
Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way.
What Is Menopause?
Menopauseoccurs when women have not had a menstrual cycle (period) for 12 months in a row.
Duringperimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, the levels of hormones produced by the ovaries decrease.
The first symptom is typically a change in the menstrual cycle.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause generally starts in a womans 40s.
Signs of Late Menopause
Natural menopause is a gradual process that happens over several years.
While most women reach menopause by 51 or 52 years old, this is an averageeveryones timing is different.
For women who are experiencing signs of perimenopause, menopause may be just around the corner.
The first sign is lighter or heavier, skipped, or irregular menstrual cycles.
Average Menopause Age
Women typically reachmenopausein their early 50s.Early menopauseoccurs before age 45.
When Can Pregnancy Affect Menopause?
During your appointment, you may be asked about your menstrual cycle and symptoms.
This will help your provider identify if you are in menopause.
FSH levels fluctuate, so these tests may need to be traced over time.
FSH levels in blood fluctuate during perimenopause and decrease after menopause.
While most women reach menopause by 51 or 52, this is an average and varies.
Late menopause can occur in a womans upper 50s or early 60s.
Genetics, lifestyle, menstrual cycle patterns, and medications are factors that affect timing.
A Word From Verywell
The timing of menopause is different for all women.
If this is the case, talk with your healthcare provider.
Together, you might discuss the possible reasons for the delay and your provider can order tests if needed.
Ruling out concerns can help you feel more comfortable about late-onset menopause.
The transition from perimenopause to menopause can take two to eight years.
Hot flashes can last four to 10 years after menopause.
Menopause typically occurs naturally.
However, it is sometimes brought on by surgery, medical treatments, or diseases.
The average age a woman reaches natural menopause is 51 to 52.
Menopause is considered early when it occurs before age 45 and premature when it starts before age 40.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Office on Womens Health.Menopause basics.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.My periods have changed.
Is menopause around the corner?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Did I just have a hot flash?
National Institute on Aging.What is menopause?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.
Sapre S, Thakur R.Lifestyle and dietary factors determine age at natural menopause.J Midlife Health.
2020;131:57-64. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.10.012
Perry S.Does birth control delay menopause?Gennev.
2018;33(8):699-710. doi:10.1007/s10654-018-0367-y
MedlinePlus.Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels test.
