Reviewed by: Megan Bradway, NP
Perimenopause age and symptoms: quick answers
- Perimenopause can start as early as your 30s or as late as your 50s.
- Early signs of perimenopause include changes in your period, mood, body temperature, sleep, and vagina.
- Some symptoms can increase the risk of heart disease, mental health disorders, obesity, and other conditions.
- A licensed clinician can help you manage hormone changes and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Perimenopause is the period of years when hormone levels fluctuate and decline. For most women, this lasts for around 4–7 years. For some, it can take up to 14 years.
During this time, periods become irregular. Once they’ve stopped for 12 months in a row, you’ve reached menopause.
About 90% of women talk to their doctor about perimenopause symptoms. Learn what changes to look for and how treatment can help you manage them.
When does perimenopause start?
Perimenopause usually starts in your mid-to-late 40s. But many women in their 30s and early 40s start experiencing symptoms. For others, perimenopause doesn’t start until their 50s.
This means there is no exact age when perimenopause can start. Symptoms may be mild or very noticeable at any time within this age range.
What are early signs of perimenopause?
Perimenopause happens when estrogen and progesterone levels start to change and drop. This often triggers symptoms throughout the body.
Learn more about each of the following symptoms in this Lemonaid blog post.
Period changes
Longer, shorter, lighter, heavier, and more erratic periods are early signs of perimenopause. Later in menopause, periods become routinely less frequent.
Temperature changes
Hot flashes are a signature sign of perimenopause, and most women experience them before menopause. For many women, they’ll happen over a few years. But some experience them for 10 years or more.
Hot flashes feel like a quick rush of warmth throughout your body. You may feel a sudden heat in the face, neck, and chest. You may also start sweating or have a fast heartbeat. They can be very distracting at any time. But during sleep, hot flashes can cause disruptive night sweats. During night sweats, you may wake up because your sheets are soaked with sweat.
Sleep disruptions
Hot flashes and night sweats can make sleep hard. But even people without them may also struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Problems like insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs can also happen.
Sleep supports mood, energy, digestion, and more. Poor sleep can raise the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems. Working with a clinician on hormone and sleep changes is important for your long-term health.
Mood and concentration changes
Mood swings, irritability, and new or worsening anxiety or depression start for many during perimenopause. “Brain fog” symptoms, such as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems, may also begin.
Hormone changes may cause these issues. Hot flashes, poor sleep, and past mental health struggles can also affect mood during this time. Some research suggests that increased inflammation during perimenopause raises dementia risk.
Vaginal changes
Dryness, discomfort, burning, itching, and pain during sex may start during early menopause. Urinary issues, such as an increased need to urinate, frequent infections, and urine leakage, can also happen.
Unlike other perimenopause symptoms, these symptoms usually do not go away on their own. Over time, they may even get worse. Fortunately, a range of medications applied into the vagina can help.
What should you do if you notice changes that suggest perimenopause?
If you think you’re experiencing the early signs of menopause, start tracking your symptoms. For periods, note their length, the time between them, your flow, and other changes. For other symptoms, note timing and intensity. This can help you discuss trends and potential treatment with a healthcare professional.
If you have extremely heavy bleeding or bleeding after you’ve not had a period for 12 months, get in touch with your doctor. These may be a sign of perimenopause. They may also be a sign of another health issue.
Summary:
Perimenopause can start as early as your 30s. Signs you might be starting perimenopause include period changes, poor sleep, hot flashes, vaginal symptoms, and mood changes. Track these changes and connect with a licensed clinician to discuss your symptoms and potential treatment paths.
