A new post type
Every time we write a post, we find ourselves clarifying what terms mean or explaining how they are used incorrectly, are too vague, have multiple meanings, etc. As we say over and over again on this site, the biggest reason for women being surprised by changes on the path to menopause is a lack of research. But another big factor is that terms are used imprecisely.
Today we launch a new type of blog post, a place where we will do our best to define terms, add clarity, or point out multiple uses of the same term.
So what does perimenopause mean?
Perimenopause is a word with at least three definitions.
First, and most generally, it’s used to describe the period of fluctuating hormones leading up to menopause.
Second, the majority of healthcare providers would say a woman is “in perimenopause” when her cycles are of irregular length or she’s skipped a period.
And third, the research community defines the entry to the “menopause transition” aka perimenopause as beginning when consecutive cycles vary by 7 days. This would mean a cycle of 33 days followed by one of 26 days or fewer.
We know from research that many women experience changes and symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations before this point — when their cycles are still coming every month. Through the information on this site and new research with collaborators, we are working to raise awareness that changes/symptoms happen before dramatic changes in cycles.
