What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and periods may start to change. It can begin earlier than many women expect, and symptoms can affect some women more than others.
Perimenopause
The transition before menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms may begin.
Menopause
The point reached once you have gone 12 months without a period.
Postmenopause
The years after menopause, when symptoms and longer-term health changes may continue.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
When ovarian function declines before the age of 40.
Induced Menopause
Menopause caused by surgery or medical treatment affecting the ovaries.
Perimenopause is the transition towards menopause
Perimenopause is the time when ovarian hormone levels begin to change and fluctuate as the body moves towards menopause. This does not always start with obvious changes in periods, and symptoms can be subtle at first.
For some women it begins in their 40s. For others it can start earlier. Symptoms may come and go, change over time, and affect sleep, mood, concentration, confidence and day-to-day life.
You may still be having periods
You do not need to have stopped your periods to be perimenopausal, and symptoms can start well before periods fully change.
Symptoms vary widely
Some women notice only mild changes, while others feel a significant impact on work, family life, relationships and wellbeing.
At a glance
- Perimenopause is the stage before menopause.
- Hormone levels fluctuate rather than dropping in a straight line.
- Symptoms can begin before periods fully change.
- You can still become pregnant during perimenopause.
Common symptoms in perimenopause
Symptoms can look different from woman to woman. Some notice physical symptoms first, while others notice emotional or cognitive changes. These can be easy to dismiss at first, especially if periods are still happening.
Wondering if this could be affecting you?
If you are noticing symptoms and are not sure whether they may be related to perimenopause or menopause, our tools can help you take the next step.
Related stages and topics
Understanding the wider menopause transition can help make symptoms and timing easier to make sense of.
Not sure where you are in the menopause transition?
You do not need to work it out on your own. Our pathway is designed to help you better understand your symptoms and take the next step with confidence.
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