Here is further information about the perimenopause and menopausal stages of life:
Perimenopause is marked by hormonal fluctuations as ovulation draws to a close, and it encompasses the months and years leading up to menopause. Once you've gone through 12 consecutive months without a period, you've officially reached menopause and perimenopause is over. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 50 and 58, with the average age being 51. About 1 out of 100 women experience menopause before age 40, which is considered early menopause. This can happen for various reasons, and symptoms can be more severe in women experiencing early menopause. Seek out support from a medical professional if you suspect you are experiencing early menopause, or if you are experiencing bothersome symptoms at any time.
The perimenopause period leading up to menopause usually lasts 4-8 years, and sometimes up to 10 years. This means that a woman who experiences menopause at the average age of 51 could begin experiencing perimenopause in her early 40's. The signs and symptoms of perimenopause vary widely among individuals and can include irregular periods, hot flashes or night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, brain fog or decreased ability to concentrate, temporary memory impairment, headaches or migraines, joint and muscular pain, bladder problems, heart problems (such as heart racing or skipping beats, tightness), urinary leaking, sexual problems, changes in skin and hair, and metabolic changes, which can include changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference, weight gain and loss of muscle & bone density. This is not the full list of symptoms associated with perimenopause, but these are some of the more common ones.