Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which officially marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Perimenopause is also known as the menopausal transition. It's the span of time when a woman's body is preparing for menopause through hormonal shifts and changes in menstrual cycle.
The duration of perimenopause varies greatly among women, lasting anywhere from a few months to several years. On average, perimenopause starts between the ages of 45 and 55. As a woman gets closer to menopause, signs and symptoms associated with perimenopause often become more noticeable due to declining estrogen levels. However, some women may experience very mild or even no symptoms at all.
Common signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:
During the perimenopause transition, menstrual cycles may change in frequency (shorter or longer), duration, and flow. The time between periods and the duration of bleeding may increase or decrease. It's also common for cycles to be heavier or lighter. These irregular cycles are normal as the ovaries prepare to stop releasing eggs.
When to see your doctor:
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist if:
There are several options available to help ease challenging perimenopause symptoms, including hormone therapy, antidepressants, lifestyle changes, and complementary approaches. Identifying the early signs of perimenopause allows you to better manage this transitional life stage.