Hot flashes, mood swings, and unpredictable periods – you’re probably thinking, “This must be menopause.”
But if you’re still having periods (even if they’re all over the place), you might not be in menopause yet. Chances are, you’re actually in perimenopause – a transitional stage that can feel confusing and frustrating if you don’t know what’s happening.
Understanding where you are in this transition is important because it affects how your body feels and what treatments will work best for you. Let’s break it down.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause when your hormone levels – especially estrogen and progesterone – start to fluctuate. These changes can begin in your late 30s or early 40s and typically last anywhere from 4–10 years.
The tricky thing? You can still get pregnant during perimenopause (yes, really), and your symptoms may come and go, making it hard to know what’s “normal.”
What Is Menopause?
Menopause marks the end of your reproductive years and is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. For most women, this happens around age 51, though it can be earlier or later.
By this stage, your hormone production has dropped significantly, and your symptoms may feel a bit different compared to those unpredictable years of perimenopause.
Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms: How They Differ
Both perimenopause and menopause can feel like a rollercoaster, but there are some key differences.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms
- Irregular periods (skipping months, heavier or lighter bleeding)
- Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
- Hot flashes and night sweats (but often inconsistent)
- Breast tenderness and bloating
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in weight or metabolism
Common Menopause Symptoms
- No periods for at least 12 months
- Persistent hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy
- Thinning hair and dry skin
- Ongoing sleep disruptions and fatigue
Bottom line: If you’re still having periods – even irregular ones – you’re likely in perimenopause, not menopause.
Why It Matters to Know the Difference
Knowing which stage you’re in helps you find the right support. For example:
- Perimenopause treatments may focus on balancing fluctuating hormones and managing unpredictable cycles.
- Menopause treatments focus more on replacing hormones your body no longer produces and preventing long-term issues like bone loss.
Understanding where you are can also ease the emotional stress that comes with these changes. Many women feel relief just knowing, “Oh, this is perimenopause—I’m not going crazy!”
When to Talk to a Hormone Specialist
If your symptoms are interfering with your sleep, your relationships, or just your ability to feel like yourself, it’s time to check in with a hormone specialist.
- They can run simple hormone tests to see where you’re at.
- They’ll discuss treatment options—ranging from lifestyle changes to hormone therapy—to help you feel better and regain control of your health.
The Bottom Line
You’re not alone if you’re unsure whether you’re in menopause or perimenopause – it’s a confusing transition, and many women experience both symptoms at once. But understanding where you are is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
If you’re tired of guessing and ready for answers, schedule a consultation today. Together, we’ll figure out exactly what your body needs so you can start feeling good again.
