The time leading up tomenopauseis called perimenopause.
Some people think it is called premenopause, which is actually not the correct term.
This stage of the menopausal transition can last from two to 10 years before menopause.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
It’s characterized by changes to the menstrual cycle, as well as other physical and mental symptoms.
The term perimenopause is sometimes mistaken for the term premenopause.
Although both occur before menopause, they mean different things.
Premenopause is the stage between puberty and perimenopause.
Premenopause or Perimenopause?
Although both premenopause and perimenopause occur before menopause, the two terms mean different things.
In medicine, pre refers to before while peri refers to around.
Perimenopause means around menopause and is the time leading up to the last menstrual period.
This often occurs in a womans mid to late 40s.
Women will still menstruate during this time.
Symptoms relating to menopause begin during the perimenopausal period.
During this time, women may experience a variety of symptoms.
Each woman will have her own experience of perimenopause and may have a combination of the symptoms.
Changes to Periods
In premenopause, women will often have periods as normal until they reach perimenopause.
In perimenopause, women start to experience changes to their menstrual cycle.
During perimenopause, hormone levels change, and the body makes different amounts of estrogen and progesterone.
Hormone changes during this time can make women feel anxious or irritable.
This can cause itching or irritation.
Sleep Problems
Roughly 40% of women who are perimenopausal experience sleep disturbances.
This can happen at any time, but is most common during the night.
Bleeding Problems
Along with changes to periods, women in the perimenopausal stage may experience someunusual bleeding.
Perimenopause occurs because the amount of estrogen made by the ovaries begins to fluctuate.
This causes ovulation to become erratic before stopping completely.
The menstrual cycle is also impacted.
Symptoms of perimenopause are sparked by fluctuating hormone levels in the body.
The stages of menopause can begin at different times for different women.
A physician will use symptoms, medical history, age, and a physical exam to reach a diagnosis.
Blood tests may also be used.
Treatment
Perimenopause might not needtreatmentunless symptoms are causing problems.
There are a number of treatment options for women who are perimenopausal.
Hormone Therapy
Estrogenon its own or coupled with progestinsmay be used to help even out hormone levels.
Antidepressants
Some women in the perimenopausal stage may experience mood changes that are difficult.
Antidepressants may help to stabilize moods.
Certain antidepressants may also be used to help with symptoms of hot flashes.
Lifestyle Changes
Changes to diet and exercise may help with symptoms of perimenopause.
Managing Symptoms
Taking steps to combat some of the symptoms may help.
Poor concentration or memory problems can occur in perimenopause, and some activities can help improve concentration and memory.
Some or all of these symptoms may be bothersome.
Your healthcare provider will be able to provide solutions or management strategies for these.
Established support groups include:
A Word From Verywell
Menopause is composed of various stages.
The term premenopause refers to the beginning of menstruation through to the onset of perimenopause.
The period immediately before menopause is referred to as perimenopause.
The two terms are not interchangeable and mean different things.
Perimenopause is a natural part of aging, and treatments and lifestyle changes may help with symptoms.
The North American Menopause Society.Menopause definitions.
Office on Womens Health.Menopause basics.
Penn Medicine.The change before the change: 9 questions about perimenopause.
Harvard Medical School.Perimenopause: rocky road to menopause.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to menopause.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists.The menopause years.
