Key takeaways:
Perimenopause is the period of time before menopause. It usually begins in your 40s and can last 4 to 10 years.
There’s no test for perimenopause, but you may be able to tell it has started by your symptoms. Common symptoms include hot flashes, sleep problems, mood shifts, and irregular periods.
Hormone therapy, nonhormonal medications, and lifestyle changes can ease bothersome perimenopause symptoms.
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Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. It’s a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Perimenopause usually starts in your 40s and can last from a few years to nearly a decade.
During this time, shifting hormone levels can lead to changes in your periods, sleep, mood, and more. Some people notice only subtle changes, while others have symptoms that feel more disruptive. Knowing what’s typical can make this stage of life feel more manageable. Here’s what to know about when perimenopause starts, how long it may last, and the common symptoms and treatments that can help.
When does perimenopause start, and how long does it last?
Perimenopause starts at different times for different people. It usually begins in your 40s, but it may start earlier for some people.
The length of perimenopause is also different for each person. For most people, it lasts about 4 years. But it can be much shorter or much longer — sometimes 8 to 10 years. There’s no way to predict how long it’ll last for each person.
One study found that people who started menstruating at a younger age tended to have a longer perimenopause and menopause transition.
What are the common symptoms of perimenopause?
People experience perimenopause in many different ways. Some people have mild or no symptoms at all. Others may experience noticeable and sometimes disruptive symptoms. These symptoms are caused by fluctuating hormone levels as you approach menopause.
Here are some of the most common symptoms caused by hormone shifts.
Hot flashes
These are brief episodes where you may feel very hot, sweaty, or flushed. Up to 80% of women have hot flashes or night sweats at some point during perimenopause or menopause.
Insomnia
Insomnia means having trouble falling asleep or waking up more often during the night. It’s a common perimenopause symptom. In fact, almost half of people in perimenopause report some difficulty sleeping.
Decreased libido
Decreased libido means a lower interest in sex. Hormone changes during perimenopause can affect your libido.
Vaginal dryness
Lower estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness. This can lead to pain, discomfort, or burning during sex. It may also cause itching, dryness, or irritation of your vulvar tissues (the area outside your vagina).
Urine changes
Lower estrogen levels can also cause urinary symptoms. You may notice that you’re peeing more often during perimenopause. Some people also notice that they leak urine (urinary incontinence).
Weight gain
Your body shape may change during perimenopause. This is related to a natural increase in body fat as you get older.
Changes in menstruation
You may also start to notice changes in your menstrual cycles during perimenopause. Your period may get longer or shorter. You may also have less frequent or missed periods.
Brain fog
Brain fog is a term people use to describe “fuzzy” or slowed thinking. It can make it harder to concentrate, solve problems, and do your work. Many people experience brain fog during perimenopause. The good news is that brain fog tends to get better after you finish the menopause transition.
Mood changes
Perimenopause doesn’t just affect your body — it can also affect your emotions. You may notice mood changes as you go through perimenopause. Mood changes and depression may be more likely in women who experience perimenopause at a younger age.
Quiz: Are you in perimenopause?
Is there treatment for perimenopause symptoms?
Perimenopause is a natural part of life. But there are treatments that can help ease some symptoms and make the transition more comfortable.
Vasomotor symptom treatment
Vasomotor symptoms of menopause include:
Hot flashes
Sweating
Night sweats
Flushing
These are some of the most bothersome symptoms of menopause. There are medications that can help ease some of them, like:
Fezolinetant (Veozah)
Hormone therapy (like estrogen and progesterone)
Antidepressants (like paroxetine)
Other medications, like gabapentin and clonidine, are sometimes used off-label to help with hot flashes.
Vaginal dryness treatment
There are multiple treatment options for vaginal dryness. Many of these are available over the counter (OTC), such as vaginal lubricants or moisturizers.
Vaginal estrogen is also an option. But this requires a prescription. It’s applied directly to your vagina as a cream, ring, or tablet. It uses very low doses of estrogen and has less risk of side effects than other forms of medications that have estrogen. In addition to relieving vaginal dryness, it may also help with urinary symptoms, like burning.
Mental health treatment
There are many treatment options that help with mood changes related to menopause, like depression and anxiety. Treatment options can include:
Lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and sleep
You can search online for mental health resources near you. But it’s always a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional to talk about how you’re feeling. They can help you find the right specialists in your area and discuss medication options with you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. Your fertility naturally decreases during this time. So it’s less likely that you’ll get pregnant, but it’s still possible. It’s best to use birth control if you’re sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant.
Some women will have elevated cholesterol levels during perimenopause, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This may be related to changing hormone levels.
If you have high cholesterol, talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you find the best treatment approach. This could include a combination of lifestyle modifications, like changes in diet and medications.
Early perimenopause and menopause can start early for a variety of reasons. These include smoking or certain health issues, like autoimmune diseases or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Early menopause is also more likely if you’ve had chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, or surgical removal of your ovaries (oophorectomy) or uterus (hysterectomy). It may also happen if you have a family history of early menopause.
There’s no test for perimenopause. In general, perimenopause is diagnosed based on your symptoms, like irregular periods and hot flashes. Blood tests aren’t usually helpful because hormone levels can fluctuate naturally during this time. However, some tests may be done to rule out other causes for your symptoms, like thyroid problems.
Irregular periods are common during perimenopause. But certain types of bleeding should be checked by a healthcare professional to make sure there isn’t another cause. Call your doctor’s office if you have very heavy bleeding (like changing pads or tampons every hour for a few hours) or if bleeding lasts more than 7 days. You should also contact a healthcare professional if you have bleeding between periods or you aren’t sure you’re in perimenopause.
Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. Your fertility naturally decreases during this time. So it’s less likely that you’ll get pregnant, but it’s still possible. It’s best to use birth control if you’re sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant.
Some women will have elevated cholesterol levels during perimenopause, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This may be related to changing hormone levels.
If you have high cholesterol, talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you find the best treatment approach. This could include a combination of lifestyle modifications, like changes in diet and medications.
Early perimenopause and menopause can start early for a variety of reasons. These include smoking or certain health issues, like autoimmune diseases or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Early menopause is also more likely if you’ve had chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, or surgical removal of your ovaries (oophorectomy) or uterus (hysterectomy). It may also happen if you have a family history of early menopause.
There’s no test for perimenopause. In general, perimenopause is diagnosed based on your symptoms, like irregular periods and hot flashes. Blood tests aren’t usually helpful because hormone levels can fluctuate naturally during this time. However, some tests may be done to rule out other causes for your symptoms, like thyroid problems.
Irregular periods are common during perimenopause. But certain types of bleeding should be checked by a healthcare professional to make sure there isn’t another cause. Call your doctor’s office if you have very heavy bleeding (like changing pads or tampons every hour for a few hours) or if bleeding lasts more than 7 days. You should also contact a healthcare professional if you have bleeding between periods or you aren’t sure you’re in perimenopause.
The bottom line
Perimenopause is a natural transition, but that doesn’t mean you have to “tough it out.” Symptoms can range from mild to disruptive. And they may affect your sleep, mood, sex life, and daily routines. The good news is that many treatment options can help you feel more like yourself. If symptoms are interfering with your quality of life or you notice unusual bleeding, reach out to a healthcare professional. They can help you find relief and rule out other causes.
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References
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