What is the average age of perimenopause?

Perimenopause begins on average around the age of 40. However, this age is only a guideline: every woman goes through this phase at her own pace. The initial phase of premenopause can begin as early as age 35, while other women will enter this phase much later. 

Perimenopause refers to the time when the menstrual cycle "begins to go haywire" and becomes less regular. It is a gradual hormonal change that is part of a broader transition known as perimenopause. This perimenopausal period marks the gradual decline in ovarian function and the first changes in hormone secretion (particularly estrogen and progesterone) that the body will experience over the following years. 

When does perimenopause really begin?

While the average age is around 40, the actual range extends from 35 to 45. Several factors influence this timing: your genetics, your lifestyle, your medical history, and your level of chronic stress.

Some women notice the first signs as early as their mid-thirties, experiencing less regular cycles of varying durations. These cycles are often shorter in the initial phase. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may also emerge, characterised by symptoms such as tender breasts and mood fluctuations before menstruation. Other manifestations may include more painful periods. Conversely, some women do not notice any changes until they are well into their forties.

There is no "right" or "wrong" age to enter perimenopause. Your body follows its own hormonal calendar. The key is to learn how to support it through this transition gently.

The first signs of perimenopause

During perimenopause, your estrogen, progesterone, and even cortisol levels may gradually shift. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to vague symptoms that are sometimes challenging to identify initially.

Irregular periods with cycles that become shorter or longer (depending on the phase of perimenopause), periods that are heavier or lighter, sometimes painful, unusual fatigue, increased stress for no apparent reason, libido that varies without a clear explanation: these signs may seem insignificant when taken separately. However, they are evidence of your body gradually adapting. These are not dysfunctions, but natural manifestations of ongoing hormonal changes.

Other symptoms may also appear, including sleep disturbances, weight fluctuations, increased emotional sensitivity, mild joint pain, or the well-known "brain fog" that makes concentration more difficult.

What happens during perimenopause in terms of hormones? 

It all begins with the decline in progesterone, which is why menstrual cycles tend to shorten at the onset of perimenopause, as the luteal phase (after ovulation) also tends to shorten.

Next, estrogen levels decline, a process that occurs more or less rapidly after the drop in progesterone. At this stage, menstrual cycles tend to lengthen as ovulations become less frequent. Eventually, ovulation ceases permanently, and there are no longer any cycles: this is menopause!

Why understanding this phase is essential

Recognizing perimenopause for what it is allows you to anticipate and take action, rather than suffering without understanding. When you identify these early changes, you can adapt your lifestyle, seek advice at the right time, and put personalized support strategies in place.

Understanding that these hormonal variations are normal also helps alleviate feelings of guilt. No, you are not "more fragile" or "less capable." Your body is simply undergoing a natural transition that deserves to be understood and supported.

At Ainoha™, we believe that articulating what you are experiencing already provides greater clarity. Listening to your body more attentively, at your own pace, is the first step to navigating this period with serenity.

You deserve to understand what is happening in your body and to have access to support tailored to your unique situation.