At what age does menopause usually happen?

Menopause usually happens between 45 and 55, and in the U.S. the average age is 51. You’re officially in menopause once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period.

The transition leading up to it, called perimenopause, often starts earlier, usually in the mid-to-late 40s, and can last 2 to 10 years. Some women reach menopause earlier or later than average, and family history, smoking, and certain medical treatments can affect the timing.

Here at Alloy, we explain it in more detail in this guide on the average age of menopause. If you’d rather watch a quick explanation, this short video chapter on defining menopause and perimenopause covers the usual age range clearly.

This answer was created using the following resources:

• Understanding Hormones During Menopause | Dr. Mary Jane Minkin - Variability in Menopause Timing

• Ask the Expert: Personalizing Menopause Care | Dr. Mary Claire Haver - Timing and Onset of Perimenopause and Menopause

• A New Approach to Aging with Alloy - Defining Menopause and Perimenopause

• Perimenopause vs. Menopause What’s the Difference? - Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause

• Ask Dr. Sharon Malone: What is perimenopause? - Recognizing Perimenopause

• Perimenopause and Menopause: The Basics - Why Menopause Happens

• What is the Average Age for Menopause to Start? Alloy Health

• What is Menopause?

• The 34 Symptoms of Menopause & Perimenopause: The Full List

• Why is it so hard to get a menopause diagnosis? | Alloy Health

• How Long Does Menopause Last? | Alloy

• How Long Is Menopause? | Alloy