As soon as women cross the age of 40, they enter a significant transitional period known as perimenopause. This stage precedes the cessation of menstruation, during which women undergo various physical and emotional changes.

Recently, Bhagyashree openly shared the challenges associated with her perimenopause journey; let us explore the changes women face during this phase.

What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a phase in a woman's life when she is approaching menopause. During this time, the ovaries produce fewer hormones, causing the menstrual cycle to become irregular. Simply put, this stage marks the time when a woman's reproductive years are drawing to a close.

Hormonal changes during perimenopause
The ovaries produce estrogen, which ensures the reproductive system functions effectively. As a woman ages, estrogen levels decline, disrupting the balance with progesterone. Consequently, hormone levels fluctuate like a rollercoaster.

When the body reaches menopause, menstruation stops completely, and the ability to conceive is lost.

Age of onset for perimenopause
Symptoms of perimenopause typically appear 8 to 10 years before the onset of menopause. These symptoms usually manifest at age 40 or later. In some cases, menopause may begin earlier; this condition is known as premature menopause.

How to recognize it? Now, the question arises: how can one tell if a woman is in the perimenopause stage?

 There are several signs:

Irregular periods

Night sweats

Irritability and depression

Hot flashes

Vaginal dryness

Low libido

Frequent urination

Insomnia

How long does perimenopause last?
It begins 8–10 years before menopause, but the average duration is typically observed to be around 4–5 years. For some women, this stage may last only a few months, while others may experience symptoms for several years.

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