Perimenopause refers to the transition period leading up to menopause, which is the point when a woman's menstrual cycles stop permanently. This transition starts for most women in their late 30s to mid 40s and can last anywhere from 2-10 years.
Some key things to know about perimenopause:
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels start to rise and fall unevenly as the ovaries gradually produce less of these hormones. This leads to changes in menstruation like:
Around 80% of women experience other symptoms from the hormone fluctuations during the perimenopause transition as well, such as:
The duration and severity of symptoms varies widely among women. Things that can affect one's experience include lifestyle, medical history, attitudes about aging, and whether symptoms interfere with relationships or quality of life.
Perimenopausal symptoms typically peak during a woman's late 40s to early 50s. However the age range can span from early 40s to late 50s.
If symptoms become disruptive, women should consult their doctor about possible treatment options such as hormone therapy or medications to ease symptoms. Lifestyle remedies like regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and dietary changes may also help alleviate bothersome symptoms.
I tried to incorporate key details about perimenopause in an easy-to-understand overview while highlighting options for symptom relief. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand this draft further.