TL;DR: the quick version
- Perimenopause usually starts in your 40s, though it can begin earlier for some.
- It unfolds in stages, each bringing different changes to your cycle, mood, energy, sleep, and more.
- Understanding the perimenopause timeline and stages can help make sense of what’s happening and why.
- The whole process can last 4 to 10 years (yes, really). And once your periods have stopped for 12 months, you’re officially in menopause.
Navigating the perimenopause journey
Perimenopause isn’t a sudden event. It’s a journey that usually begins in your 40s, but some women notice changes earlier. This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years and is made up of different stages, each bringing its own shifts in your cycle, mood, energy, and sleep. Understanding these stages helps you recognise what’s normal, what to watch out for, and how to better support yourself.
Perimenopause isn’t a straight line. It’s more like a shifting landscape: sometimes calm, sometimes bumpy. And the truth is, many of us don’t even realise we’re in it until we’re deep in the middle of it. This page walks you through the typical stages, so you can start to make sense of what’s going on in your body.
Everyone’s experience is different, but there are common patterns. Here’s what many women go through, and when.
The stages of perimenopause
Early
During the early stage, hormonal changes start quietly but steadily. You might notice mood swings, increased PMS, or slight changes to your menstrual cycle. This phase can be confusing as symptoms overlap with everyday stress or ageing, and it’s common not to realise you’re in perimenopause yet.
Common signs: slightly irregular periods, mood shifts and irritability, worsened PMS symptoms, changes in sleep patterns
ACTIVE*
This is when many women experience more noticeable shifts. Periods can become irregular or heavier, and symptoms like brain fog, hot flushes, and night sweats often start to surface. Energy levels may fluctuate, and managing daily life might feel more challenging.
Common signs: irregular cycles (skipped or heavy periods), brain fog or difficulty concentrating, night sweats and hot flushes, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
*Note: Active isn’t a medical term, but it helps describe what many women experience when symptoms start to feel more intense or disruptive.
LATE
In the late stage, your periods may become infrequent and unpredictable. Symptoms often reach their peak intensity but can begin to ease toward the end of this phase. Many women start to notice relief from the most intense symptoms as they approach menopause.
Common signs: rare or skipped periods, fluctuating symptom intensity, gradual easing of symptoms, emotional ups and downs.
MENOPAUSE
Menopause is officially diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Your body’s hormone production declines significantly, and symptoms typically start to stabilise, although some may continue for years.
This transition marks the end of your reproductive years but the beginning of a new phase of health and wellbeing.
Why knowing the timeline matters
Understanding these stages can empower you to take better care of yourself. Whether it’s making lifestyle adjustments, seeking support, or knowing when to consult a healthcare professional, clarity helps you feel less overwhelmed and more in control.
What to do next
- Track your symptoms and cycles to notice patterns.
- Consider lifestyle changes to support your body.
- Reach out to healthcare professional, trusted sources or experts for advice.
- Remember: every woman’s experience is unique. This timeline is a guide, not a rulebook.
Sources
– NHS, Menopause
– British Menopause Society, What is the menopause?
– International Menopause Society, Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW)
– Women’s Health Concern, A Women’s Relationship with Menopause is complicated
– Lara Briden, Hormone Repair Manual, Greenpeak Publishing, 2021
– Dr Jen Gunter, The Menopause Manifesto, Piatkus, 2021
What to keep in mind
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We share relatable stories, general knowledge, and practical tips, but we’re not medical professionals. Always speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns related to perimenopause or your health.
Never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve read here or somewhere else.
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