Perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause

• begins several years before menopause
• Usually starts during your mid-late 40s or early 50s
• Usually lasts from 2 to 8 years
• You may have irregular periods or other symptoms such as hot flashes, breast tenderness, fatigue, or vaginal dryness

Menopause

• Starts when you have not had a period for 1 year
• Usually starts around age 50, but can start well into your 50s
• Could be triggered early by having your ovaries removed, radiation therapy, or  chemotherapy