Perimenopause signs and timing

Perimenopause signs and timing

People ask a lot of questions about it, often while life is already busy. Our guides are gathered below so you can jump to the question you have right now.

We keep the answers practical. Each guide covers what the question means and what to ask a clinician. It also covers how to keep notes when your days do not follow a pattern.

Questions we answer

Every question links to a short guide of its own.

• Ovulation: Do you still ovulate during perimenopause?
• Sleep: Does perimenopause affect my sleep?
• Starting age: What is the typical age for perimenopause to start?
• Weight changes: Why am I gaining weight during perimenopause?
• Recognizing it: How do you know you're in perimenopause?
• Duration: How long does perimenopause last?
• The basics: What is perimenopause?
• Cycles: What are periods like during perimenopause?

Where to go for expert guidance

Our perimenopause guides explain what to track and ask, and they cannot tell you where you are in the transition. For overviews from public health agencies, see the FDA page on menopause and the Office on Women's Health menopause page. A professional menopause society also has patient pages on sexual health.

If your cycle, sleep, or mood has changed, a dated record is the most useful thing to bring to a visit. Jot down what changed and when. If a prescriber starts you on something, ask what to do when you miss a dose or your schedule shifts, and write the answer next to the prescription.