Perimenopause, meaning ‘around menopause,’ is the transitional period before menopause when your body gradually makes less estrogen. This phase typically begins in a woman’s 40s but can start in the 30s or earlier.
What Happens During Perimenopause:
Estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate unpredictably. Periods may become irregular – closer together, further apart, heavier, lighter, or occasionally skipped. Ovulation becomes less predictable. Despite decreasing fertility, pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause until you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period (which marks menopause).
How Long It Lasts:
Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to 10 years, with the average duration being about 4 years. It ends when you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period, which is when you’ve reached menopause.
Common Symptoms:
Fluctuating hormones can cause hot flashes and night sweats, irregular periods, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), changes in cholesterol levels, and accelerated bone loss. Not all women experience all symptoms, and severity varies widely.
