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How long does perimenopause last?
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Perimenopause can last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the woman. It usually begins between the ages of 35 and 40 and continues until hormone levels stabilize after menopause, around the age of 55 to 60. It is not a fixed period, but a gradual process. Hormones fluctuate, menstrual cycles change, sleep can become more fragile, and moods can be more variable.
For some women, this transition goes almost unnoticed. For others, it is more pronounced. In all cases, it represents a natural readjustment of the female body.
Understanding the possible length of this period helps to better anticipate this phase and approach it with less anxiety.
How can you tell if perimenopause has begun?
Perimenopause is characterized by symptoms that vary from woman to woman. Some primarily experience hot flashes, night sweats, or
menstrual irregularities. Others describe persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or mood swings, which can impact their personal or professional lives.
Skin or vaginal dryness, joint pain, and weight fluctuations are also potential symptoms. No single symptom is specific on its own; instead, it is their appearance or recurrence over time that suggests perimenopause.
How do you know when perimenopause is over?
Perimenopause gradually comes to an end when hormonal fluctuations become less pronounced, and the body approaches a new balance. It ends at the onset of menopause, giving way to a phase of hormonal stabilization known as postmenopause.
There is no single sign or precise test to determine its end. For some women, symptoms gradually decrease; for others, they may persist for some time after their menstrual cycles have stopped. The end of perimenopause is therefore recognized more by an overall stabilization than by a specific date.
Should I see a doctor?
Consulting with a doctor, midwife, or gynecologist enables an evaluation of the situation and consideration of the most appropriate options: lifestyle adjustments, phytotherapy, supplements, and hormone treatments.
Recognizing perimenopause as a natural stage of life, rather than an illness, helps women navigate this period with greater serenity and maintain a good quality of life throughout this physiological transition.
