What does the term 'perimenopause' refer to?

Perimenopause refers specifically to the transitional period leading up to menopause. During this time, which can last several years, women may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms due to fluctuating hormone levels. This phase typically begins in a woman's 40s but can vary in timing, and it is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, changes in menstrual flow, and symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

The cessation of menstrual periods is an important event but marks the end of the perimenopause stage and the beginning of menopause itself. Hormonal replacement therapy is a treatment option for managing symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, but it does not define what perimenopause is. Diagnosis of menopause is based on the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and is distinct from the transitional phase of perimenopause.