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Information on Premenopause

Premenopause, more commonly known as perimenopause, is the phase leading up to menopause in a woman. This phase typically begins in the late 40s, and can last for many years. Women are considered to be in perimenopause until an entire year has passed without a period.

  1. Periods

    • During the perimenopause years, as the body prepares to cease the menstrual cycle, periods can be erratic. Sometimes women will experience lengthy, heavy periods, while others experience light periods or miss periods altogether.

    Hormone Imbalance

    • Hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone, change during perimenopause. This flux is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause, including changes in periods, hot flashes, mood swings and decreased sex drive.

    Declining Fertility

    • Fertility begins to decline in perimenopausal women, though pregnancy is still possible. However, hormone fluctuations during this time also mean that while the chances of pregnancy is lower, the chances of multiple births increases due to erratic ovulation and estrogen release.

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