Learn about perimenopause, which encompasses all of the changes related to fluctuating hormones on the path to menopause — including changes that can start while you are still getting regular periods.
Understand how hormonal patterns change on the path to menopause.
Learn about the four primary hormones that govern the menstrual cycle.
Brush up on the menstrual cycle to better understand hormonal changes.
Demystify the menopause transition with these useful definitions.
Common Symptoms During Perimenopause
Learn about perimenopause and the 12 most common symptoms reported by women ages 35-55 in longitudinal studies.
Flow changes
Perimenopausal hormonal patterns can lead to changes in cycle length and flow — both the duration and the amount.
Disrupted sleep
Disrupted sleep includes middle-of-the-night waking, trouble falling asleep, and early morning waking.
Mood & anxiety
Many new mood changes such as anxiety, irritability, sudden anger or depressive feelings can arise in perimenopause.
Night sweats & hot flashes
Changes in hormone levels can cause a narrowing of our internal thermostat. The body reacts by dissipating heat. Hot flashes are the daytime version.
Sore breasts
Many women experience premenstrual breast tenderness in their twenties, which then resolves. The high and erratic estrogen of perimenopause brings it back for some.
Headaches
Premenstrual headaches often begin or increase during perimenopause. For those that have had migraines, these often return or worsen.
Body changes & weight gain
Body changes at midlife are a reality for most women but the reasons why things change are not fully understood.
Cramps
For many women, premenstrual cramps occur in their teens and twenties and then go away, particularly for those who give birth. In early perimenopause, they often return.
Shorter cycles
While not a symptom, slightly shorter cycles are one of the earliest signs of perimenopause. They can be hard to detect unless you are tracking.
Sexual health changes
Lower libido around 40 is common and can be tied to hormonal changes, but many other factors are involved as well.
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