What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause means around menopause, more specifically the years (as many as 8+) prior to and the 12 months after the final menstrual period which signals menopause. Perimenopause is a time of ovarian aging and fluctuating hormones which is different for every woman.
Until recently, perimenopause was identified by very noticeable changes to menstrual cycles (i.e., irregular cycles or skipped periods). However, recent research — ours and others — has documented the experiences of women still having monthly periods who have many of the same symptoms as those who have already noticed significant changes to their menstrual cycles. This research suggests perimenopause begins earlier than previously thought which is what women have been saying.
Note: We use “symptoms” but perimenopause is not a disease — it’s a normal life transition that everyone born with ovaries will make.
Learn about the four primary hormones that govern the menstrual cycle.
Wondering if what you are experiencing could be perimenopause?
Tracking your cycle can be empowering to understanding what’s going on in your body.
Common Symptoms During Perimenopause
Learn about perimenopause and the 12 most common symptoms reported by women ages 35-55 in longitudinal studies.
Higher estrogen can lead to heavier flow. There can be other causes as well, so consult your health care provider.
Disrupted sleep includes middle-of-the-night waking, trouble falling asleep, and early morning waking.
MOOD CHANGES
New or increased feelings of anxiety, irritability, or depression arise during the menopause transition, for some women.
NIGHT SWEATS &
HOT FLASHES
Changes in hormone levels can alter our internal thermostat and the body reacts by dissipating heat.
SORE BREASTS
Many women experience premenstrual breast tenderness in their twenties, which then resolves. The high and erratic estrogen brings it back for some.
HEADACHE
Premenstrual headaches often occur when hormonal patterns begin to change. For those who’ve had migraines, these often return or worsen.
WEIGHT GAIN
Many women gain weight during this transition without increasing their food or calorie intake due to changing estrogen levels.
CRAMPS
Premenstrual cramps may occur in your teens and twenties and then go away, but as hormones change, they often return.
SHORTER CYCLES
Slightly shorter cycles are one of the earliest signs that things are changing. They can be hard to detect unless you are tracking.
LOW LIBIDO
Lack of interest in sex is reported by many women during these years.
VAGINAL DRYNESS
The decline of estrogen closer to menopause causes vaginal dryness, which can feel like itching or pain during sex.
BRAIN FOG
Memory issues, or forgetfulness, are a commonly reported symptom.
Dive deeper
We were thrilled when this piece from NPR came out reporting that perimenopause can start younger than you think
A very thorough article about perimenopause by Robin Henig for Oprah Daily
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