Knowledge Centre
Life stagesDraft: awaiting clinical review
Perimenopause
The years of hormonal transition before the final menstrual period.
Overview
In the UK the average age of menopause is 51. The perimenopause, when cycles and hormones become more variable, can last several years before this.
Symptoms can include changes in cycle length, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes and joint aches.
What is well established
- Fertility declines significantly during perimenopause, but pregnancy is still possible, so contraception is needed until a clinician advises it can stop.
- For women over 45 with typical symptoms, the diagnosis is usually made from symptoms without blood tests.
- Effective treatments, including hormone replacement therapy, are available.
Uncertain or emerging evidence
- Hormone levels fluctuate widely in perimenopause, so single blood tests are of limited value.
This guide is general information and does not replace advice about your own circumstances. Clinical review pending.