What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, and menopause is the time from 1 year after your last menstrual period onward. The symptoms experienced in each are different. The symptoms listed here are ‘textbook’ – but the real life experiences of individuals vary a lot.
Early perimenopause
- New heavy and/or longer menstrual flow
- Shorter menstrual cycles (less than or equal to 25 days), New sore, swollen, and/or lumpy breasts
- New or increased menstrual cramps
- New mid-sleep wakening
- Night sweats premenstrually
- New or increased migraine headaches
- New or increased PMS
- Notable weight gain without changes in exercise or food intake
Late perimenopause to menopause
Estrogen drops
- Irregular cycles varying by 7 or more days, then long periods between bleeding, then cessation of periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Change in libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Insomnia