Body & health

Perimenopause

Alsomenopausal transitionperimenopausalperi-menopause

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Perimenopause is the transition before menopause, often lasting several years, when hormone levels fluctuate and periods become irregular.

At a glance

  • Perimenopause is the transition before menopause, often lasting several years.
  • It commonly starts in the 40s, sometimes earlier.
  • Estrogen levels can swing up and down, so symptoms may come and go.
  • Pregnancy is still possible, so contraception remains relevant until a clinician says otherwise.
  • Symptoms can often be treated even while periods continue.

In detail

Perimenopause commonly starts in the 40s, sometimes earlier. Estrogen levels can swing up and down rather than falling smoothly, which is why symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, anxiety, heavier or lighter periods and changes in libido can come and go.

Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, so contraception remains relevant until a clinician confirms it is no longer needed. Symptoms can often be treated even while periods continue, and bleeding that is very heavy, very frequent or happens after sex should be checked.

In a sentence

  • At 44 she realised her irregular periods and poor sleep might be perimenopause.
  • The doctor explained that perimenopause can last several years before periods stop.

Where the word comes from

Formed from Greek peri, meaning around, and menopause.

Not to be confused with

  • Menopause

    Menopause is the end point, one year after the final period.

Common questions

Can you get pregnant during perimenopause?

Yes. Ovulation still happens some of the time, so pregnancy is possible. Contraception remains relevant until a clinician confirms it is no longer needed.

What are common signs of perimenopause?

Hot flushes, sleep disruption, anxiety, heavier or lighter periods, irregular cycles and changes in libido are common, and they can come and go as hormone levels fluctuate. Bleeding that is very heavy, very frequent or happens after sex should be checked by a doctor.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSMenopause symptoms
  2. ACOGThe Menopause Years
  3. Mayo ClinicPerimenopause