Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which is the point when a woman's menstrual cycles end permanently. This phase typically begins for women in their late 30s to late 40s as the body starts making less estrogen and progesterone. That said, perimenopause is different for everyone, so it's important to understand the common symptoms.
While perimenopause signals a natural transition, the symptoms can significantly impact one's quality of life. If you're struggling, there are treatment options available, like low-dose birth control pills or hormone therapy. The compassionate doctors at Vitality Hormone Center provide personalized care plans to help women balance their hormones and feel like themselves again during perimenopause and beyond.
As women age, the ovaries gradually make less estrogen and progesterone — the main hormones that regulate menstrual cycles. This fluctuating and declining hormone production causes the transition into menopause. Specifically in perimenopause:
This unpredictable hormonal shift is why perimenopause causes irregular cycles and symptoms like hot flashes. While this transition can begin in the 30s, most women start noticing changes in their 40s as they near menopause.
Perimenopause unfolds in stages, with the first being early perimenopause. At this point cycles may shorten or lengthen by 7 days. Ovulation begins to get irregular and premenstrual symptoms may intensify. This stage normally lasts 1-2 years.
Late perimenopause typically starts 2-3 years before menopause. As estrogen drops rapidly, cycles grow more unpredictable and ovulation may cease. Menstruation happens at least 2 months apart and most women experience moderate to severe hot flashes.
The final stage is menopause, defined as 12 full months without a menstrual period. At this point the ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen/progesterone levels are low. This confirms the end of fertility.
While this transition can be difficult, support and treatment options exist, like hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, or speaking to the caring medical team at Vitality Hormone Center. Their personalized care helps women thrive through perimenopause and embrace this next chapter of life.