Perimenopause is the transitional period of a woman’s life that leads up to menopause, the cessation of menstruation. It’s characterized by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen, leading to changes in menstrual cycles and a range of other symptoms.
Key aspects of perimenopause:
Hormonal Changes: Ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, causing fluctuations in hormone levels.
Menstrual Cycle Irregularities: Periods may become irregular in length, flow, and frequency.
Age: Typically begins in a woman’s 40s, although some women may experience it earlier.
Duration: Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to a decade.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido.
Fertility: While fertility may decrease during perimenopause, women can still become pregnant.
End of Perimenopause: Perimenopause ends one year after the last menstrual period, marking the beginning of menopause.