Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body makes the natural transition toward permanent infertility. It's the period when ovarian function starts to decrease as the ovaries make less estrogen. The hallmark of perimenopause is irregular periods.
During the perimenopausal transition, which can last 4-8 years on average, women may experience various symptoms like:
Perimenopause starts for most women in their 40s, but it can begin earlier or later. The onset varies widely. There's no reliable lab test to determine exactly when it begins. The clearest sign is when menstrual cycles start to be less predictable.
Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms. Blood tests measuring follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels can sometimes help confirm perimenopause, but they aren't definitive.
Some options for managing difficult symptoms include:
The caring medical team at HormoneHealth Clinic understands the challenges of perimenopause. We offer customized hormone replacement therapies and nutritional supplements during the menopausal transition, to help women feel their best. Call today to learn about our flexible treatment plans!
I hope this gives you a helpful overview explaining what perimenopause involves. Please let me know if you have any other questions!