Perimenopause Explained: The Years Before Menopause, and What to Ask Your Doctor
Menopause is often talked about as a single moment. In practice it is a transition, and the stage before it, called perimenopause, is the one many women are never told about.
What perimenopause is
Perimenopause is the span of years leading up to menopause, when the body's hormone patterns begin to change. For many women it starts in their 40s, though the timing and length vary from person to person.
Changes women commonly describe
Experiences differ widely, and not everyone notices all of these:
- Cycles that become longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, or skip a month
- Changes in sleep
- Shifts in mood or energy
- Changes in how the body feels from week to week
Because these changes can have many causes, they are worth discussing with a doctor rather than assuming.
Why tracking helps
Memory is a poor record. A few months of logged cycles, symptoms and moods give you a clear picture to share, instead of trying to recall how things used to be. Tanaya turns what you log into a monthly wellness summary you can share with your doctor.
Questions to bring to your appointment
- Are the changes I am noticing within the range you would expect for me?
- Is there anything worth checking, given my history?
- What should I keep tracking before my next visit?
- When should I come back sooner?
You do not have to wait
If something feels different, you do not need to wait for it to become a problem. You can book a consultation with a certified gynecologist from inside the Tanaya app.
Tanaya is a wellness information app and does not provide medical advice. Always talk to a doctor about your health.
