When Does Menopause End?

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, yet many women are left wondering when their symptoms will finally ease and “what age does menopause finish?” The average age for menopause in Australia is 51 years, though it can occur anytime between 45 and 55. However, menopausal symptoms can last for years beyond that final period, leading to questions about when this phase truly ends.

Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to menopause, helping women manage symptoms and support their bodies naturally. Instead of only addressing hormone changes, it focuses on nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle to ease the transition effectively.

What Age Does Menopause Finish?

Technically, menopause is one single day—the point at which a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Everything before that is perimenopause, and everything after is postmenopause. However, when women ask, "when does menopause end?" they’re usually referring to the symptoms rather than the technical definition.

For most women, the worst symptoms last around 2-5 years, but some may experience them for a decade or longer. By the mid-50s to early 60s, many women find that their symptoms have eased considerably. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play a role in determining how long this transition lasts.

How Do You Know When Menopause Is Over?

Many women wonder about the signs that menopause is ending. While every woman experiences menopause differently, some common indications include:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats reduce in frequency and intensity.
  • Mood swings stabilise, with fewer unexpected emotional shifts.
  • More restful sleep, as night sweats become less disruptive.
  • Increased energy levels, as menopause fatigue begins to fade.
  • Weight fluctuations settle after metabolic shifts in perimenopause.

However, some symptoms, like vaginal dryness and changes in bone density, may persist beyond menopause. This is why ongoing health support remains important.

Why Do Some Women Experience Longer Symptoms?

For some, menopause symptoms last well beyond the average timeframe. Several factors can contribute to a prolonged menopause experience, including:

  • Early menopause: Women who go through menopause before 45 often have more intense or longer-lasting symptoms.
  • High-stress levels: Chronic stress affects hormonal balance and can extend symptoms.
  • Poor lifestyle habits: Lack of exercise, poor diet, and smoking can worsen symptoms.
  • Genetics: If your mother or sisters had a long menopause transition, you may experience something similar.
  • Other health conditions: Thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, or autoimmune conditions can interact with menopause symptoms and prolong discomfort.

Managing Menopause with Functional Medicine

Functional medicine provides a holistic approach to managing menopause, addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than just masking them. Here’s how it helps:

Hormone Testing and Balance

Functional medicine begins with comprehensive hormone testing. Unlike conventional approaches, which often focus only on oestrogen and progesterone, this method looks at cortisol, thyroid function, and insulin levels. Identifying imbalances allows for tailored treatments, such as bioidentical hormone therapy or herbal support.

Nutritional Support for Hormonal Balance

Diet plays a critical role in menopause symptom relief. Functional medicine focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting hormone production through specific foods:

  • Phytoestrogen-rich foods (such as soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas) help stabilise oestrogen levels.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish and walnuts) support brain function and mood stability.
  • Magnesium and B vitamins improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
  • Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and leafy greens can help with joint pain and hot flushes.

Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

Chronic stress during menopause can lead to higher cortisol levels, which may exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings. Functional medicine incorporates stress management techniques, including:

  • Mindfulness and meditation to support emotional wellbeing.
  • Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola stabilise cortisol levels.

Supporting Sleep and Reducing Fatigue

Many women struggle with sleep disturbances due to night sweats and anxiety. Functional medicine strategies for better sleep include:

  • Melatonin supplements to improve sleep quality.
  • Herbal teas like chamomile and valerian root promote relaxation.
  • Magnesium supplementation to reduce night-time restlessness.

Exercise for Bone Health and Energy

Regular movement is essential during and after menopause. Functional medicine recommends specific exercises to maintain bone density and cardiovascular health, including:

  • Weight-bearing exercises like walking or resistance training to prevent osteoporosis.
  • Yoga and pilates to improve flexibility and manage stress.
  • Low-impact activities such as swimming and cycling support overall fitness without straining joints.

Life After Menopause

Once menopause symptoms subside, women enter the postmenopausal phase, which lasts for the rest of their lives. While oestrogen levels remain low, maintaining good health remains essential for long-term health. Functional medicine continues to provide support by focusing on:

  • Bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Heart health, as the risk of cardiovascular disease increases.
  • Cognitive function, supporting brain health and memory.

When to Seek Help for Menopause Symptoms

Although menopause is a natural transition, it should not disrupt daily life to the point of exhaustion or discomfort. You should seek professional support if:

  • Symptoms significantly interfere with work, relationships, or quality of life.
  • You’re experiencing menopause before 45 and need tailored support.
  • You have a history of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, or other chronic conditions that may worsen after menopause.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Thriving After Menopause

Menopause is not just the end of menstruation—it marks the beginning of a new phase of life. Through a functional medicine approach, women can manage symptoms, prevent long-term health risks, and maintain vitality well beyond menopause.

At Evergreen Doctors, our menopause clinic in Sydney provides personalised care to help women navigate this transition with confidence. Whether you’re looking to understand the signs that menopause is ending or need menopause fatigue treatment tips, we offer expert guidance customised to your needs.

If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms and need support, book an appointment today to take control of your health and wellbeing.

Ebony Tosch