Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the Difference and When Does It Start?
- Kortney Jones
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Navigating perimenopause and menopause is a unique journey for every woman. At Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, WA, our mission is to empower you with reliable information and compassionate, expert care for every stage of this transition.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, most often beginning in a woman’s 40s but sometimes earlier or later. This period can last anywhere from a few years up to a decade. During perimenopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone — two key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and affect many areas of physical and mental health.
Key Symptoms of Perimenopause
Irregular periods: Cycles become unpredictable, with periods that may be longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter.
Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden sensations of heat, often accompanied by sweating and sleep disruptions, are classic signs.
Mood changes: Increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression may arise, sometimes linked to hormone fluctuations and poor sleep.
Sleep issues: Insomnia or disrupted sleep is common, sometimes due to night sweats.
Physical symptoms: Breast tenderness, headaches, joint pain, weight gain, muscle aches, and changes in libido can occur.
Vaginal dryness and genitourinary changes: Decreasing estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and increased risk of urinary infections.
Every woman’s experience of perimenopause is different — some notice only mild symptoms, while others experience significant changes.
What Triggers These Changes?
The transition through perimenopause is all about hormone fluctuations. The ovaries begin to run out of eggs, leading to erratic production of:
Estrogen: Drops in estrogen cause many of the hallmark symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Progesterone: Decreases as you ovulate less often, which can alter menstrual flow and contribute to irregular cycles.
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Rises and falls unpredictably as the body tries to stimulate the ovaries, which can exaggerate hormone swings and symptoms.
AMH (Antimüllerian Hormone) and Inhibin: Both decrease as the ovarian reserve declines, further signaling your body’s transition away from fertility.
Menopause: The Next Stage
Menopause is diagnosed after twelve consecutive months without a period, marking the end of reproductive years — the average age is 52 in the U.S.. By this point, estrogen and progesterone production have declined sharply.
Menopause Symptoms
Some symptoms experienced during perimenopause persist or intensify after menopause, including:
Persistent hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness and thinning tissues
Difficulty sleeping
Mood swings
Decreased libido
Changes in skin, hair, and body shape (weight gain, loss of bone density)
Because estrogen supports bone, brain, bladder, and heart health, its decline can also bring increased risk for osteoporosis and heart disease.
Why It’s Important to Distinguish Between Stages
Recognizing whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause is crucial for individualized care:
Treatment decisions: Some therapies (like birth control vs. hormone therapy) are appropriate at only certain stages.
Fertility awareness: Contraception may still be needed in perimenopause since pregnancy is possible until menopause is confirmed.
Symptom relief: Addressing your specific symptoms — from mood changes to sleep problems to vaginal dryness — ensures optimal quality of life.
Preventive health: Screening for osteoporosis, heart disease, and other conditions becomes especially important post-menopause.
Caring for Your Changing Body
Lifestyle changes—such as good nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management—can ease symptoms and support healthy aging. Medical treatments range from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to non-hormonal options for hot flashes, mood swings, and genitourinary health. Every woman deserves their symptoms to be taken seriously and to have personalized care.
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing:
Significant hot flashes, night sweats, or sleep disruption
Unusually heavy, prolonged, or painful periods
Mood changes interfering with daily life
Concerns about vaginal discomfort, sexual health, or urinary changes
Don’t hesitate to contact your OB-GYN. Early intervention means better relief and prevention of related health issues.
At Complete Healthcare for Women, we combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate care to help you thrive through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
Schedule your appointment to discuss any questions or symptoms. Together, we’ll create a plan for your best health at every stage.
Call 509-392-6700 to schedule your consultation today.
Complete Healthcare – Women’s Health and Wellness care in Richland, WA
