Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage before menopause when a woman's body begins shifting toward permanent infertility. It's the period of hormonal fluctuations and biological changes leading up to menopause, which officially begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual cycle.
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline and become irregular. This can trigger symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods. The timing and duration varies for each woman, but perimenopause usually starts in the mid-40s and lasts anywhere from a few years up to a decade.
Some key things to know:
If you're struggling through perimenopause, know that what you're experiencing is normal. Be patient with your body and speak to your doctor about ways to find relief during this transitional time. My colleagues at Renew Hormone Institute(/) are experts in guiding women through perimenopause and menopause with compassionate care and personalized treatment plans. Consider scheduling a consultation to discuss which solutions might be right for you.
I hope this overview gives you a better understanding of perimenopause. Let me know if you have any other questions!