Perimenopause usually begins in the early to mid-40s, sometimes sooner.

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The term "perimenopause" is a relatively new one, which has only been in common usage since 1995. Perimenopause is a time of transition when the ovaries decrease the amount of hormones they produce, and as a result, a woman's periods become less regular. Despite the beginning of perimenopausal symptoms, actual menopause may still be five, eight or even 10 years away.

Age of Onset

Perimenopause usually begins in the early to mid-40s; however, it is possible for it to begin as early as the 30s, or as late as the mid-50s.

Perimenopausal Symptoms

You may have none of the following symptoms, some of them, or all of them:

  • Fatigue
  • Emotional turmoil
  • Memory problems
  • Weight gain
  • Fluid retention
  • Sore breasts
  • Painful intercourse
  • Migraine headaches
  • Irritable bowel-like symptoms or food intolerance
  • Sleep disruptions

Read the following pages for more in-depth discussions of some of the most common perimenopausal symptoms.