When my doctor told me I was in perimenopause, the first thing I thought was ‘Perimenowhat’!

Here’s some basic information on what perimenopause is that may help you to better understand it.

Perimenopause is the time in a womans life that marks the beginning of when your body begins its transition into menopause. This transition can take anywhere from two to eight years or even longer. It’s a natural part of aging that signals the ending of your reproductive years.

During this time, your estrogen levels will fluctuate and your menstrual cycles will begin to change until finally when you reach menopause they will stop altogether.

When perimenopause starts and how long it lasts will vary as every woman is different. You’ll probably notice signs or symptoms, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.

Menopause is a natural part of growing older.  It’s not a disease, or an illness and it doesn’t require treatment unless your symptoms bother you.  It’s a good idea to learn all you can about menopause because knowing what to expect can help you stay as healthy as possible during this phase of your life.