Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause

There are several stages a woman goes through in her life, starting with puberty to 
going through your menstrual cycle during your childbearing years, to entering a 
transition to menopause called perimenopause, to menopause. 

But what is the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Here are some 
ways to tell which one you might be experiencing.


Perimenopause

First, let’s talk about perimenopause, which is a transitional phase between your 
childbearing years, and full menopause. Perimenopause can happen a few years before 
you go into menopause, sometimes as early as your 30s or 40s. During 
perimenopause, you will notice changes in your body and monthly cycle, but might still 
be releasing eggs and menstruating. Your ovaries start to produce less estrogen during 
these years, and it is a good indication that menopause is on its way.


Menopause

Whether or not you went through perimenopause, the next phase is menopause. All 
women go through this once they no longer have their menstrual cycle. This is when 
you no longer release eggs, and therefore don’t have menstrual cycles. At this point, 
you are no longer able to get pregnant, so it ends your reproductive years. 

Menopause can sometimes come on rather suddenly without the years of 
perimenopause beforehand, though for many women, they notice the symptoms 
appearing gradually.


Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause

Now, let’s look at the main differences – which include the types of symptoms you might 
experience with each. 

Symptoms of Perimenopause

With perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes tend to be among the first symptoms. 
However, with perimenopause, you might also notice that your PMS begins to get 
worse. This can cause more irritability, more cramping, and more breast tenderness. 

You might also notice changes like a lower sex drive, vaginal dryness, and sometimes 
urine leakage.

Symptoms of Menopause

When you reach menopause, the hot flashes and night sweats tend to worsen and last 
longer than during perimenopause. You have more vaginal dryness and less interest in 
sex, and may feel like you need to empty your bladder more often. You will also notice 
that you no longer get your period, though may have some spotting still. Other 
symptoms include difficulty concentrating, weight gain, hair thinning, headaches, and 
aches and pain.

As with anything, the symptoms you experience for perimenopause or menopause 
might vary. Even if your mom had bad hot flashes, yours may be mild, but you might 
have some of the other symptoms.



