My Menopause Blog: What is Perimenopause

Perimenopause: Sometimes written as peri-menopause.

If you look closely at the peri part of the word, you will notice that it almost spells period.

PERI-OD.

Coincidentally, the stage of peri-menopause includes your period, sort of, almost, sometimes not at all, other times just like old times. Another words your period, as monthly punctuation, takes on a new and varied style. More of a rogue semi-colon.

Indeed, if you love surprises, peri-menopause will be right up your alley.

Peri-menopause marks the somewhat official beginning of menopause. That said, there is no official start date. Loose and free spirited, Peri (we're on a first name basis now) tends to show up around your mid to late 40's...maybe early 50's. This of course depending on if, when and how many ankle biters you had, when you started your period in the first place, your mother's side of the family menopausal tree and how you've been treating your body.

There are other factors like breast and ovarian cancer and their treatment that instantly shift your hormonal balance and plunge you into menopause. But if you've been spared this legacy, then the onset will be slow and gradual.

I try to think of perimenopause as a season...like Fall....beautiful one day, grey, windy and cold the next.

Sue Richards