What’s the difference between Perimenopause and Menopause?
Just like dating, your period changes and evolves as you get older — both come with their highs and lows. There comes a point when your body will stop menstruating, closing the chapter on reproduction. That’s menopause, the thing mothers and elders in the family talk about with ‘oh to be young again’ sighs, but more on that later (we feel you, mom). What we’re talking about here is perimenopause – the transition into menopause.
It’s easy to make perimenopause the villain in your cycle story.
Just like starting your period, you can start perimenopause at different ages. Signs like irregular menstruation might happen in your 40s, but some may notice changes in their mid-30s. There’s no rhyme or reason (again, just like dating).
Because ‘normal’ is not the vibe, there’s not a specific length of time you might experience perimenopause. On average, it might last around four years. But it can last anywhere from a few months to up to eight years.
Many people can often confuse perimenopause with menopause. So what is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transition and years leading up to menopause; menopause is actually only one day, as it marks 12 months since your last period. Once you’ve hit menopause, you are in the postmenopausal phase.
What’s happening during perimenopause?
During our 'peak' reproductive years, estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall somewhat predictably throughout the menstrual cycle. But during perimenopause, our body stops producing as much progesterone, and estrogen levels decline. In the last 1-2 years of perimenopause, that drop in estrogen accelerates. Because the ovaries gradually start to produce less estrogen, they will eventually stop releasing eggs. This moment is what's known as menopause.
With perimenopause and menopause come symptoms like hormonal fluctuation, menstrual period irregularity, and more. Learn more about perimenopause symptoms below.
What are the signs of perimenopause?
As with any hormone-related process, it’s different for everybody. These are common perimenopause signs that you may experience, not necessarily all at once or any at all.
Irregular Periods
Menstrual irregularity or irregular periods could be perimenopausal symptoms. This could mean longer or shorter than usual, lighter or heavier flows, or even skipping some periods. If your period length has consistently changed at least seven days or more, it might be a sign of early perimenopause. 60 days or more between periods might signal late perimenopause. Head to your health care provider if you're unsure.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes (sudden bursts of heat in the upper body and face) are mostly caused by fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause. Research suggests that when you’ve got lower levels of estrogen, your hypothalamus (which regulates internal body temperature) becomes more sensitive to small changes in body temperature.
Changes To Libido
You may experience a change in sex drive during perimenopause. Again, this is due to the fluctuating hormone levels. But again, it’s different for everyone.
Vaginal and Bladder Changes
Lower estrogen levels may cause your vaginal tissue to lose elasticity or lubrication. This could make you more susceptible to urinary or vaginal infections.
It's easy to make perimenopause the villain in your cycle story. The whispers of hot flashes, hormonal imbalance, and a low sex drive; the signals of time passing and fertility waning. Just remember that society imposes the notion that youth is beautiful and ageing is not. But just look at Meryl Streep. Thriving and drinking martinis in her bathrobe.
Remember that perimenopause will feel different for everyone, and just like your menstrual cycle has its perks and challenges (we see you hot water bottles and sleepless nights under the duvet), perimenopause does too. Don't sweat it.
Remember that perimenopause will feel different for everyone, and just like your menstrual cycle has its perks and challenges (we see you hot water bottles and sleepless nights under the duvet), perimenopause does too. Don’t sweat it.
Your hormones can be complex and unpredictable. That’s why we’re here, on The Regular, to do what’s long overdue - to demystify what’s going on with our reproductive systems, our hormones and our whole cycle.
We’re here to support your day-to-day queries serving useful content that is uncomplicated and unbiased. No topic is too complicated or too specific for us to address/focus on.
