[oldE]

In my circle of aquaintances, each woman is different (isn't that a surprise!)

Some have had severe symptoms, (hot flashes, intermittant memory lapses, irritability) for a few years or as much as six years.
What I do know from this circle of friends is hormone therapy does not eliminate outward menefestations of menopausal symptoms, it only seems to delay the onset of symptoms. When the hormone therapy ends, she still has to go through whatever is in store.

I suspect how bad it is for those around her will depend upon your relationship and communication (big surprise there too.)

Best
Les