How Long Does Perimenopause Last?

The terms perimenopause and menopause are often used interchangeably, but they’re different phases of life. Menopause means going 12 straight months without a menstrual cycle. It marks the end of fertility. Perimenopause refers to the months or years leading up to menopause. 

Perimenopause can cause many unwanted symptoms, including night sweats, hot flashes, and weight gain, that might cause many women to ask: “How long will this last?” 

That’s the question Dr. Gene Krishingner Jr. and our team here at OB/GYN Care Orlando in Oviedo, Florida, answer today.

How long does perimenopause last? 

The average length of perimenopause is about four years, but it can end much sooner or last much longer. Some women may be in perimenopause for the minimum 12 months. Others may experience it for as long as 8-10 years.

Most women begin perimenopause in their mid-40s, but this number also varies. Reaching menopause before age 40 is called premature menopause. Some women may skip perimenopause altogether if they have surgically induced menopause. 

For example, if you have a hysterectomy, you no longer have a menstrual cycle, you’re no longer fertile, and you’re officially in menopause. 

How do you know if you’re entering perimenopause?

Many women have fairly predictable periods every 28-32 days, but once your periods become irregular, you might be inching closer to perimenopause. Irregular periods are one of the first signs of perimenopause. Examples of irregular periods include:

• Shorter periods
• Longer periods
• Missed periods 
• Spotting between periods

During this time, you can still become pregnant. Your fertility hasn’t ended; it’s just more unpredictable. If you need help with family planning during this time, Dr. Krishingner provides birth control.

Other common symptoms of perimenopause include those typically associated with menopause. These include:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness (vaginal atrophy)
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Mood changes (increased feelings of depression or anxiety)
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping

Addressing the hormonal imbalance that comes with perimenopause can help.

Get relief for the symptoms of hormonal imbalance

Learning that perimenopause can last for years may be daunting, especially if you’re in the throes of hot flashes and mood swings. The good news is that our team can help you navigate the journey from perimenopause to menopause. 

Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) with BioTe® hormone pellets. As a BioTe-certified provider, Dr. Krishingner can help restore hormonal balance so you can get relief. 

Each BioTe pellet slowly releases a just-right-for-you dose of hormones. You don’t have to worry about daily pills or creams: The pellets do all the work. With BHRT, you should notice a reduction in pesky symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.

To learn more about perimenopause or to explore the symptom relief potential of BHRT, call us at 321-304-6249 or book your visit online.