How Long Does Perimenopausal Symptoms Last?

Have you been feeling different from your usual self lately? Are you having a hard time focusing on daily tasks? Do you often wake up in the middle of the night with sweat all over? Or are you experiencing unexpected mood bursts and energy drains simultaneously? If you answered “yes” to all or even a few of these, there’s a high chance that you may be experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. While perimenopause is more likely to occur in your 40s or 50s, you may experience its symptoms in your 30s as well.^1,2 

Now that you’ve got a fair idea about perimenopause, questions such as  “what is perimenopause?,” “what are its symptoms?” and “how long do perimenopausal symptoms last?” might arise in our mind. In this blog, we’ll try to answer all these questions and help you determine whether the symptoms that you are experiencing are related to menopause or an underlying thyroid condition. 

So let’s get started with the fundamentals.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period preceding menopause. It’s the phase in which a woman’s body changes as she approaches menopause. This occurs when the ovaries stop producing estrogen (a sex hormone that helps maintain sexual as well as reproductive health in females³) and progesterone, resulting in the cessation of ovulation.⁴ However, during perimenopause, estrogen production can fluctuate and is secreted in limited amounts, giving rise to perimenopausal symptoms.⁵

Symptoms Of Perimenopause

Please note  that the severity of perimenopausal symptoms differ from person to person.^6,7,8 And these symptoms include:

• Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
• Irregular Periods
• Depression, Anxiety & Mood Swings
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Bone Loss & Risk Of Developing Osteoporosis
• Change In Cholesterol Levels
• Frequent Urge To Urinate

Moreover, if you wish to learn more about the aforementioned perimenopausal symptoms, you can check our blog “A Complete Guide On The Symptoms Of Perimenopause.”

Perimenopausal Symptoms: Duration & Timeline

Every woman experiences perimenopause at different levels, which is why some may undergo this phase for only a few months. While in other cases, this phase can last for even more that 4 years. ⁹

Now, let’s take a glance at how symptoms change throughout the period of perimenopause, until a woman reaches her menopause.

Stage 1: Early Perimenopause

A menstrual cycle is the time between the first day of a woman’s period and the day before her next period . An average menstrual cycle is 28 days. Moreover, menstrual cycles longer than/ shorter than 28 days are also normal! ¹⁰ 

When women enter early menopause, they may start experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, which leads to a drop in their progesterone (another significant female hormones which plays a crucial role in supporting pregnancy ¹¹)  levels.¹² This leads to symptoms like headaches, sleep disturbance, heavy & painful periods, mood changes & irritability, breast tenderness, and histamine-related symptoms.¹²

Stage 2: Early Menopause Transition

During this time, the menstrual cycles may become increasingly irregular, varying in length by up to 6 or 7 days. Low progesterone and high, fluctuating estrogen levels are frequently associated with this. As a result, women experience symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.¹²

The perimenopausal symptoms resulting from heightened estrogen fluctuations include:

• Abdominal weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Heavy and painful periods
• Mood swings and irritability

Moreover, women may also experience symptoms related to histamine, frequent hot flashes and night sweats, heightened lower abdominal fat, and vaginal dryness.¹²

Stage 3: Late Menopause Transition

Missed periods is one of the first signs of this phase. Some women may experience a menstrual cycle lasting up to 60 days or more while going through this phase. Estrogen levels may still fluctuate during this stage, but symptoms associated with high estrogen levels may begin to improve. For example, breast pain may subside. However, other symptoms , such as hot flashes and night sweats, may worsen.¹²

Low estrogen symptoms include increased lower belly fat, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbance.¹² 

Stage 4: Late Perimenopause

During late perimenopause, a woman may get no periods, but it doesn’t mean that she has reached menopause yet. Menopause is when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 months. In this phase, estrogen levels are likely to decrease, leading to a relief of symptoms associated with high and fluctuating estrogen. This could result in improved mood and better sleep. However, it’s important to note that hot flashes might still persist during this time.¹² 

Ending Note!

Experiencing the symptoms of perimenopause is truly a “rocky path”. However, you can face this phase of life with confidence if you get an insight into your FMP (Final Menstrual Period). Wondering how it can be done? It’s simple, just get LifeCell’s Perimenopause Test Kit! This at-home self-collection test analyzes three significant female hormones: AMH, TSH, and fT4. By evaluating these hormones, you can gain insights into whether you are nearing menopause or experiencing symptoms of an underlying thyroid problem.

If you are in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and experiencing any of the perimenopausal symptoms, it is essential to visit your nearest gynecologist or specialist as soon as possible. Your health is worth prioritizing!

To learn more about the Perimenopause Test kit, click here or simply call us at 1800 266 5533.