Perimenopause Symptoms

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Perimenopause Symptoms

Question:

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

Answer:

Menopause officially begins when a woman has stopped having her periods for a full year because of aging of the ovaries.

The average age for this "official" start of menopause is 51. Of course, there will be some time before this when your periods are not perfectly regular. This irregular time can last for several years, and is called "perimenopause."

Some women are surprised to learn that during perimenopause, periods can become either less frequent or (temporarily) more frequent. Periods can also become light or heavy as your hormone levels begin to change.

It is common to have hot flashes during perimenopause. This is a feeling of warmth and flushing of the skin from the waist up. It can be followed by a time of feeling chilled. Hot flashes may interrupt your sleep. Hot flashes become more frequent later in menopause.

If you get migraine headaches, they can become frequent during perimenopause. Breast pain is common during perimenopause, but is temporary. Vaginal dryness can be a bothersome symptom, too.

Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

Last updated:	July 24, 2009