what is perimenopause age

Perimenopause is the time during which a womans body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. It is a transitional time that ends in menopause, which means your periods have ended. When you have no menstrual cycle for a full 12 months, you have officially reached menopause. Perimenopause usually begins about eight to 10 years before menopause and can start in your mid-30s or as late as your mid-50s. The average length of perimenopause is about four years, but it can last for only a few months or continue for 10 years. Women start perimenopause at different ages, and some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s. The level of estrogen in your body rises and falls unevenly during perimenopause, which can cause menstrual irregularity, hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, and other symptoms.