How long does the changes last in women?

Menopause is unique for each woman

like puberty and pregnancy, menopause begins at a different time for each woman, and ends when it ends. There are so many factors influencing the timing and experience of menopause that every woman will write her own story. Genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress, general health and cultural perspective are all elements of when and how dramatically you will experience menopause symptoms.

Some symptoms, like vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms, may persist into the postmenopause, but most diminish and disappear within 12 months after your last period. Women have reported having hot flashes even into their sixties or seventies, but it's more common for women to stop having them after about five years.