What is the difference?
Perimenopause vs Menopause
People often say "going through the menopause" for the whole transition, which blurs two different things. Perimenopause is the years of change leading up to it; menopause is the point when periods have stopped for good, confirmed after 12 months without one.
General information, not medical advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a clinician, pharmacist or sexual health clinic.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition before menopause, often lasting several years, when hormone levels fluctuate and periods become irregular.
Full entryMenopause
Menopause is the point when periods stop permanently because the ovaries no longer release eggs, confirmed after 12 months without a period. It most often happens between about 45 and 55.
Full entrySide by side
In short
Perimenopause is the road, menopause is the destination. A doctor can help with symptoms at either stage.
What they have in common
Both can bring hot flushes, sleep problems and mood changes, and symptoms in both can often be treated.
Sources
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Last reviewed 10 October 2026. Spotted a mistake?