Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause: Symptoms & Timeline

Menopause begins one year after a woman experiences her last menstrual period. Perimenopause occurs when women are experiencing menopause symptoms but are still menstruating.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes, dryness in the vaginal area, irregular menstrual periods, mood swings and low sex drive.

Considerations

• Perimenopause symptoms may continue throughout menopause, with the exception of menstruation.

Time Frame

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the average age of menopause onset is 51 years and perimenopause can last anywhere from two to eight years.

Expert Insight

• Menopause does not require medical treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic, but hormone therapy and low-dose antidepressants may be prescribed to address severe symptoms.

Misconceptions

• If it has been one year since a woman's last menstrual period but she menstruates in the twelfth month, she is still in the perimenopausal stage, as opposed to menopause.