Which statement best describes VMS prevalence and duration?

Which statement best describes VMS prevalence and duration?

• A. VMS affect about 75% of women and last a median of 7 years
• B. VMS affect 10% and last 1 year
• C. VMS affect 50% and last 20 years
• D. VMS affect 90% and vanish within months

Answer: (A)

Vasomotor symptoms during the menopausal transition are very common, affecting the majority of women. The best description is that about three-quarters of women experience these symptoms, and their median duration is around seven years. This captures both how widespread VMS are and how long they tend to last for many women. The other descriptions either understate how common VMS are or overstate the typical duration; for example, only a small minority have them for a brief period, and while some women resolve sooner, many experience symptoms for several years. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations for patients and guides conversations about management options over the typical span of years rather than months.

Vasomotor symptoms during the menopausal transition are very common, affecting the majority of women. The best description is that about three-quarters of women experience these symptoms, and their median duration is around seven years. This captures both how widespread VMS are and how long they tend to last for many women. The other descriptions either understate how common VMS are or overstate the typical duration; for example, only a small minority have them for a brief period, and while some women resolve sooner, many experience symptoms for several years. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations for patients and guides conversations about management options over the typical span of years rather than months.