Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to the menopause where women may notice a change in their usual menstrual cycle and begin to experience menopausal symptoms. As reproductive hormones fluctuate during this time, symptoms can come and go from day-to-day and week to week. There can be good days and bad days. This can be confusing for women and mean they are less likely to seek help. Perimenopause can last from 2-12 years in length and therefore commonly occurs during a woman’s 40s.
Last updated: May 2026
