What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the time before menopause when your body starts to change. It means “around menopause.” This stage can last a few years. During this time, your hormones go up and down, and that can cause symptoms.

Perimenopause usually starts in your 40s, but it can start earlier for some women.

How Do I Know If I'm in Perimenopause?

Every woman is different, but here are some common signs:

• Your periods change
  They may come more often, less often, or skip a month. They may also get lighter or heavier.

• Hot flashes and night sweats
  You might feel suddenly hot or sweaty, especially at night.

• Sleep problems
  Some women have trouble falling or staying asleep.

• Mood changes
  You may feel more tired, sad, or irritable than usual.

• Vaginal dryness
  Less estrogen can cause dryness or discomfort during sex.

• Trouble focusing
  Some women say they feel more forgetful or “foggy.”

Why Does Perimenopause Happen?

Perimenopause is a natural part of life. As you get older, your ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone — the hormones that control your period and support pregnancy. This change doesn’t happen all at once. It happens slowly, and that’s why symptoms come and go over time.

When Does It End?

Perimenopause ends when you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. That’s when menopause begins. After that, your hormone levels stay low, and some symptoms may stop or change.

Can I Still Get Pregnant?

Yes. During perimenopause, your periods are changing, but you can still get pregnant. If you don’t want to get pregnant, you should still use birth control until menopause is complete.

What Can Help With the Symptoms?

You don’t have to just “deal with it.” There are ways to feel better.

• Lifestyle changes
  Eating healthy, getting regular sleep, exercising, and managing stress can help a lot.

• Hormone therapy
  For some women, hormone medicine (like estrogen) helps reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

• Other treatments
  There are non-hormone medicines and natural options that may help too.

Talk to your doctor about what’s safe and best for you.

When Should I Talk to a Doctor?

You should talk to your doctor if:

• Your periods are very heavy or come with a lot of pain

• You feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed

• Hot flashes or sleep problems are getting in the way of your daily life

• You want help managing your symptoms

Perimenopause is a normal part of life — but you don’t have to go through it alone.