• Menopause

When Does Perimenopause Start and How Long Does it Last?

Published: August 14, 2025
Updated: August 14, 2025
3 mins

Perimenopause is the natural transitional phase that occurs before menopause, marking the time when a woman’s body begins to shift from regular reproductive cycles toward the end of fertility. During this period, hormonal changes – particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone – can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. 

Understanding perimenopause and knowing when perimenopause starts is important because it helps women anticipate these changes, make informed health decisions, and address symptoms early. Awareness of timing and duration can also guide lifestyle adjustments, medical consultations, and overall reproductive health planning.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the stage in a woman’s life leading up to menopause, during which the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. This phase marks the body’s natural transition from regular menstrual cycles to the end of fertility and is an essential part of reproductive aging. While hormonal shifts during perimenopause can bring noticeable changes – such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood fluctuations – it is a normal, healthy process, not a disease. Understanding perimenopause helps women recognize these changes as a natural part of aging rather than a medical problem.

When Does Perimenopause Start?

Many women begin to notice signs of perimenopause in their 40s, though it can start as early as the late 30s or as late as the early 50s. The average age of perimenopause tends to fall around 45, but this can vary widely from woman to woman. 

Several factors play a role in determining when perimenopause begins for an individual: genetics and family history, lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet, and stress, and medical history including surgeries, chemotherapy, or hormonal conditions.

Starting perimenopause earlier or later than the average is usually not cause for alarm. Women who enter this phase in their late 30s or early 50s may simply reflect normal biological variability. However, if perimenopause begins unusually early or late, it can sometimes signal underlying health issues, making a consultation with a healthcare provider helpful for peace of mind and proper guidance.

How Long Does Perimenopause Last?

Perimenopause usually lasts between four and eight years, though this can also vary significantly from woman to woman. Some may experience a shorter transition of just a few years, while others may notice symptoms stretching closer to a decade. 

The length of perimenopause can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices. Women with certain medical conditions or a history of surgical interventions affecting the ovaries may experience a shorter or longer perimenopause. While variations in duration are often normal, extremely short or unusually prolonged transitions can sometimes warrant a discussion with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues.

Signs Perimenopause is Ending

As perimenopause comes to a close, women may notice several changes that signal the transition is nearing its end. One of the most noticeable signs is that menstrual cycles, which may have been irregular for years, become consistently irregular and eventually stop altogether. Hot flashes and night sweats, which often peak during perimenopause, may begin to stabilize in frequency and intensity.

These changes reflect underlying hormonal shifts, particularly the reduced fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone that characterizes the approach of menopause. Recognizing these signs can help women understand that their bodies are moving into the next natural stage of reproductive aging, marking the beginning of menopause.

Where Can I Learn More About Managing Perimenopause?

If you suspect you’re approaching perimenopause or are experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, you don’t have to tough it out alone. With personalized hormone therapy, expert guidance, and support that fits your life, getting back to balance is more accessible than ever – thanks to LifeMD.

Join the waitlist today and take the first step toward feeling like you again.

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