Perimenopause has been making the headlines lately, as more people are opening up about their experiences. As someone who is approaching midlife, it’s common to wonder when perimenopause begins. You could also be curious about the average perimenopause age as a supportive partner who wants to help your loved one with the transition.
Taking a look at the general symptoms of perimenopause and when you can expect them to begin gives you insight into what the future may hold. You can also use this ARMS Medical guide to initiate a conversation with your medical provider about how you can ease the transition into menopause.
When Exactly Does Perimenopause Start?
Similar to puberty, there can be a wide difference in when perimenopause begins. While there isn’t a defined perimenopause age, women can generally expect the transition to begin around five to 10 years before menopause occurs.
Since the average age of menopause is in the early 50s, you could realistically expect that perimenopause symptoms might start as early as your late 30s to 40s. Without a defined age, it’s best to seek hormone testing to identify where you may be on the transition to menopause timeline.
What Are the Symptoms of Perimenopause?
The symptoms that you might experience can vary significantly from one person to another. You might also experience a few symptoms at the same time or feel like you’ve been hit with every single one.
You might suspect that you are entering the perimenopausal stage if you experience hot flashes, sleep disturbances or mood changes. The hormonal fluctuations that occur at this time might also cause you to experience vaginal dryness, irregular periods and joint pain.
If any of the symptoms you experience disrupt your life or are uncomfortable, then hormone replacement therapy might be an option to help restore your comfort.
How Long Does Perimenopause Last?
Many people experience this life stage over a period of five to 10 years. But, you might only notice symptoms for a few months before your menstrual cycle stops. Considering that a decade spans many life events, it’s important to recognize that you don’t have to tolerate disruptive symptoms such as hot flashes for years.
Hormone replacement therapy can ease the symptoms you experience during this time by helping to replenish estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Keep in mind that choosing bioidentical hormones can help you get the most benefits from your care. Seeking a personalized treatment plan can also ensure that you receive the right types and amounts of hormones to address your symptoms.
What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause?
The best way to understand the difference between the two is to view perimenopause as a long journey toward the final stage of menopause. You’ve officially reached menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
As you begin to approach this point, you might notice that your menstrual periods grow lighter or heavier. You could also go multiple months without a period, only to restart the process of counting your way toward menopause.
Take a Proactive Approach to Perimenopause
Although this time in your life is marked with change and often confusion as your body seems to develop new symptoms seemingly overnight, you don’t have to experience it alone. Working with a medical provider who is trained in addressing perimenopause and menopause symptoms helps you move forward with confidence.
Whether you think you might’ve just experienced your first hot flash or are wondering what might be causing your joint pain, it’s worth seeking care. Hormone testing is relatively quick and painless, and you can use the results to guide you through the next big stage in your life.
