The short answer
Perimenopause typically lasts four to eight years, with an average around four. But the range is genuinely wide some women move through it in a year or two, others experience symptoms for a decade or more. It ends at menopause, defined as twelve consecutive months without a period, which happens at an average age of about 51 in the United States.
The more useful question is usually not how long but which stage am I in because the stages behave differently, and knowing where you are changes what actually helps.
If you’re looking for the right perimenopause specialist in Orange County, understanding your timeline helps you have better conversations. And if you’re ready to explore natural treatment options, knowing your stage helps you pick what works.