The time that precedes menopause is referred to as the perimenopause or menopausal transition. It is a normal biological process that begins in women’s 40s or even earlier in some situations. As the body gets ready for the end of the reproductive years, perimenopause is characterised by hormonal changes and adjustments to the menstrual cycle.
The main female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, are produced irregularly during perimenopause. Numerous mental and physical symptoms might result from this hormone imbalance. Here are some significant features of the perimenopause:

Menstrual irregularities: The most typical perimenopause symptom is a shift in menstrual rhythms. Your menstrual cycles could start to vary in length, duration, and flow. You could experience missing periods in some months while experiencing more or milder bleeding in others.

Hormonal fluctuations: As the ovaries generate less oestrogen and progesterone during perimenopause, hormone levels may change. These hormonal fluctuations may contribute to mood swings and other bodily discomforts, as well as a variety of symptoms.

Menopausal symptoms: Menopausal-like symptoms are also present during the perimenopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, mood swings, vaginal dryness, libido changes, exhaustion, and cognitive abnormalities (such trouble focusing or memory lapses) may be among them. The severity and recurrence of these symptoms can change from person to person, though.

Duration: Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years. It typically lasts four years, however depending on the individual, the time frame may be shorter or longer.