Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body begins the transition towards permanent infertility. The perimenopausal phase can begin up to 10 years before a woman's final menstrual period. On average, perimenopause lasts about 4 years.
The key signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:
Why does perimenopause occur?
As a woman ages, her ovaries begin to run out of viable eggs. Her body makes less estrogen and progesterone - the main hormones that control the menstrual cycle. These fluctuating and dropping hormone levels are what cause the symptoms of perimenopause.
When does perimenopause start?
There's no set age, but perimenopause often begins in a woman's 40s. The process starts several years before menopause. Menopause is reached when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months.
What can help with perimenopausal symptoms?
The duration and severity of symptoms varies widely. Seeing your doctor and tracking your cycles/symptoms can help provide clues about what's going on. While perimenopause can be unpleasant for some women, it helps to educate yourself about what to expect and how to manage. With the right lifestyle measures and support, most women are able to transition through "the change" toward menopause.