Perimenopause is the transition stretch before menopause: hormone production starts to fall and swing, periods turn irregular, and hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems often begin.
It typically unfolds across the 40s, and it ends when menopause is confirmed - 12 consecutive months without a period. Symptoms are treatable, and pregnancy is still possible throughout.
What to do
Common questions
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition stretch before menopause itself, when the ovaries begin producing less estrogen and progesterone and hormone levels start to swing. It typically unfolds across the 40s - menopause itself lands on average around 45 to 55 - and it announces itself through change: periods that come less often or shift in flow, hot flashes and night sweats, sleep problems, and mood or concentration shifts. Perimenopause ends, and menopause is confirmed, after 12 consecutive months without a period. Two practical implications: the symptoms are treatable, from lifestyle measures to hormone therapy for the right candidates, so suffering through is optional; and pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, because ovulation is erratic rather than finished - contraception still matters until menopause is confirmed. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you map your symptoms against the typical picture.