Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when the ovaries begin to run low on eggs and the menstrual cycle (period) may become irregular. Women may also experience menstrual and menopausal-like symptoms (see below). This transition time between regular periods and menopause can average between four to six years, but may be as short as one year or as long as ten years. 

Perimenopause begins with the onset of irregular periods and/or symptoms and finishes 12 months after the final menstrual period. 

Many women feel the changes and feel different.  Every woman has her own individual pattern; some are more severe than others. 

Symptoms can include:

• Mood changes
• Sore breasts
• Bloating                                   
• Headache / migraine
• Hot flushes / sweats
• Reduced capacity to cope with daily activities
• Tiredness - increasing
• Insomnia
• Wakefulness
• Weight gain
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of concentration 

Your periods may also change, becoming:

• Infrequent and lighter
• Irregular in pattern
• Irregular in flow - e.g. heavier than normal / with clots
• More painful
• Increasing in premenstrual symptoms

(If periods are very irregular, heavier and interrupting your daily life, it is recommended to see your health practitioner.) 

What can I do?

There is no test to determine when your period will finish. Hormone levels can swing enormously during perimenopause, therefore it is hard to tell if eggs will be released or not. 

It is important to:

• Use contraception until 12 months after your last period
• Increase / maintain healthy eating habits
• Increase / maintain physical activity
• Seek help if concerned about physical or emotional symptoms
• If necessary, discuss therapies with your health practitioner 

When should I see my health practitioner?

• If your symptoms are interfering in the quality of your life
• If you are bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• If you have distressing premenstrual symptoms
• If your periods are:
  - Heavier than normal
  - More painful than normal 

What therapies are available?

• Combined oral contraceptive pill (if you are at low risk, e.g. non-smoker, normal blood pressure) 
• Hormone therapy
• Mirena intra-uterine device - IUD (for heavy bleeding)
• Natural therapies (see an accredited naturopath) 

Where can I get more information?

www.jeanhailes.org.au
www.healthforwomen.org.au 
www.managingmenopause.org.au

Further Resources

 Perimenopause (142.68 KB)

Content updated April 2010