What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause (also known as the menopause transition) is the time when your body begins to prepare for menopause. Your ovaries begin producing fewer hormones during this shift, leading your menstrual cycle to become inconsistent or irregular. Your body is nearing the end of its reproductive years at this point.
Perimenopause can start as early as your mid-30s and last until your mid-50s. Some women are only in perimenopause for a short period of time. However, for many people, it lasts four to eight years. Perimenopause simply refers to the period when your menstrual periods are no longer predictable.
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is a period of transition that culminates in menopause. Menopause means that your periods have stopped. Menopause is declared when you have not had a menstrual cycle for a full year.