Perimenopause is the stage when your ovaries start releasing fewer eggs and as a result your levels of oestrogen can fluctuate massively before eventually decreasing to a low level in postmenopause. It’s these fluctuating oestrogen levels that cause your symptoms during perimenopause. Your periods might become lighter, heavier, longer, shorter, or more irregular. Your mood and energy levels might change, and you could experience hot flushes.
Everyone’s experience with perimenopause is different. You might notice changes to your period first, or your first symptoms could be something else. The perimenopause stage can begin years before you stop having periods, and some symptoms might persist for years after menopause.
Usually, perimenopause starts around the age of 45, but it can happen earlier. Learn more about premature menopause.
Although the amount of oestrogen in your body is decreasing overall, there are a lot of ups and downs during perimenopause – at some points, your oestrogen levels might be higher than they were during puberty. Because your hormones are fluctuating so much, your symptoms might come and go as well, which can make it difficult to recognise what you’re going through.
Although perimenopause can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and there are treatments that can help. Learn more about our services.
Book your 45-minute initial appointment with one of our menopause clinicians.