Peri perimenopause: what should you know?

Ovulation may become less predictable, so cycle length, flow, and premenstrual symptoms can change. Some people notice hot flushes or night sweats, while others mainly experience sleep disruption, vaginal dryness, lower sexual desire, or mood changes. Symptoms can vary from month to month and may overlap with thyroid problems, pregnancy, medication effects, or other conditions.

Perimenopause ends after menopause, which is reached when periods have stopped for a continuous year without another explanation. Pregnancy can still occur during the transition, so contraception remains relevant until menopause is confirmed with a clinician.

Track bleeding, sleep, temperature symptoms, mood, medicines, and contraception needs. Regular movement, layered clothing, a cool bedroom, and a steady sleep routine may reduce disruption. Lubricants or vaginal moisturisers can help dryness, while persistent symptoms may be treated with hormonal or non-hormonal options after an individual review.

Discuss your pattern with a clinician, especially if symptoms interfere with work, relationships, or rest. Keeping a record helps distinguish a recurring transition pattern from a new problem.

Arrange medical review for bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, new heavy bleeding, or bleeding after menopause. Seek urgent care for bleeding that makes you faint or weak, severe pelvic pain, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or thoughts of harming yourself. A missed period with pain or unusual bleeding also needs prompt assessment because pregnancy-related problems must be considered.

Ask which symptoms fit perimenopause, whether another condition or medicine could explain them, and whether testing is useful. You can also ask about contraception, treatment choices, bone and heart health, and how to evaluate unexpected bleeding.