Perimenopause vs menopause: what's the difference?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. Hormone levels change and symptoms can come and go. Your periods may become irregular, heavier or lighter, although everyone’s experience is different.

You do not need to have hot flushes to be in perimenopause. Some people first notice shifts in mood, concentration, sleep or their menstrual cycle. These symptoms can have other causes too, so it is worth discussing persistent or troubling changes with a healthcare professional.

For someone who is not using hormonal contraception, menopause is generally identified after 12 months without a period. Hormonal contraception and some treatments can make this harder to judge.

According to NICE, otherwise healthy people aged 45 or over with typical symptoms can often be assessed without a hormone blood test. Testing may be considered in different circumstances, including suspected menopause at younger ages.

The NHS lists a wide range of possible symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, memory or concentration difficulties, mood changes, joint discomfort and vaginal dryness. Symptoms vary widely in type and intensity.

You do not have to wait until your periods stop to ask for help. If symptoms affect your work, relationships, sleep or general wellbeing, you can book an appointment with your GP.

Make a short note of what has changed, when it began and what you would most like help with. If you have heavier bleeding than usual, unusual bleeding or symptoms that concern you, seek medical advice rather than assuming menopause explains everything.

And alongside professional advice, it can help simply to talk with women who understand what these changes feel like. That is the community MenoGrit is building.

• What has changed in my cycle, sleep or mood?
• Which symptom is having the biggest impact?
• What are my options, and when should we review them?