What is perimenopause?

Bottom linePerimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when ovaries make less estrogen unevenly so levels swing, causing changing periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep and mood changes, vaginal dryness, and brain fog; it usually begins in the 40s, lasts about 4 years on average, and ends at menopause (12 months with no period). You can still ovulate and conceive during perimenopause, so use contraception until menopause if needed.

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when your hormones begin to fluctuate and your periods start to change. It can last several years before periods stop completely.

What's happening

Your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, but unevenly - levels swing up and down rather than simply declining. These fluctuations cause the symptoms, and they can be unpredictable from cycle to cycle.

When it happens

• Usually begins in the 40s, sometimes the late 30s
• Lasts on average about 4 years, but can range from a few months to a decade
• Ends at menopause, defined as 12 months with no period

Common signs

• Changes in your periods - shorter, longer, lighter, heavier, or skipped
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
• Vaginal dryness and lower libido
• Brain fog

Can you still get pregnant?

Yes - you can still ovulate during perimenopause, so use contraception if you don't want to conceive until you've reached menopause.

What to do

Tracking your changing cycles and symptoms helps you and your clinician recognize the transition and manage symptoms.

Read our perimenopause and menopause guide and see perimenopause vs menopause.

Femora has a stage-aware flow that helps you track perimenopause symptoms and changing cycles.