top of page
Perimenopause & Menopause

Learn about this stage of life and how to manage to often uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms associated with it.

What is Perimenopause vs. Menopause?

Perimenopause

The time period leading up to menopause when the body begins to exhibit symptoms like fatigue, breast tenderness, and hot flashes due to hormone fluctuations - primarily progesterone and estrogen. 

Menopause

When a woman has not had a period for 12 months.  Yes, this means you can have no period for 9 months, get your period, and the 12 month clock starts again.

Post Menopause

The time period after menopause.  The extreme hormone fluctuations experienced during perimenopause are stable, but progesterone and estrogen levels are significantly lower than during the reproductive years.
What happens during Perimenopause?

Phase 1: Very Early Perimenopause

  • Lasts approximately 2-5 years
  • Menstrual cycles are regular
  • Have less progesterone but more estrogen
  • Risk of heavier periods, increased period pain, migraines, sleep disturbance

Phase 2: Early Menopause Transition

  • Onset of irregular periods with variation of 7 or more days
  • Low progesterone
  • High, fluctuating estrogen but it drops even lower thus the night sweat and hot flashes worsening

Phase 3: Late Menopause Transition

  • First cycle of more than 60 days
  • Breast pain eases
  • Hot flashes and night sweats may intensify
  • May have 1-2 heavy periods.

Phase 4: Late Perienopause

  • 12 months from the final period
  • Fewer migraines and mood symptoms
Peimenopause Phases
Podcast Episodes - Perimenopause Menopause
Menopause Expert
Find an Expert
Looking for an expert trained in treating women in perimenopause or those who are post-menopausal?  
Resources - Perimenopause Menopause
Articles - Menopause
Books - Menopause
Organizations - Menopause
FemTech Startups - Menopause
Find This Page Helpful?
Share Your Thoughts

Thank you for sharing!

bottom of page