Perimenopause Definition and Opportunity

Written and Medically Reviewed by Ryah Nabielski, MS, RDN

You may be familiar with menopause: the cessation of ovarian function and the end of the menstrual cycle. You might think of it as something that happens in the future and isn’t on your radar. However, it’s important to think about menopause before you get there. In many cases, your body will make you think about it.

Let’s define terms:

Menopause: The one-year mark after your last period. Although we use the word a lot, it’s just a single day! The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51. Normal menopause between ages 45 and 55.

Post-menopause: All the days and years after menopause. On average, women spend about 30% of their lives post-menopausal.

Perimenopause: The transition to menopause or “reverse puberty.” Hormones fluctuate (estrogen) and eventually decline (progesterone and estrogen). For a while, the ovaries try hard to keep pumping out eggs, but eventually, ovulation becomes less frequent and then stops.

Perimenopause may last for 6-14 years. For some, it’s short, and for others, it’s a longer transition. You’ll likely experience most of the “menopausal” symptoms in perimenopause and the first couple years after menopause. The symptoms are a result of a dramatic brain rewiring away from reproduction.

Perimenopause as an Opportunity

The good news is that eventually, everything stabilizes, and many women feel better on the other side of perimenopause. Without the monthly hormone cycles, women report feeling more grounded and balanced. And a pretty incredible thing happens where they begin giving less Fs about what others think and stop people pleasing. Women begin to put themselves first.

The window of perimenopause is an opportunity to redefine yourself, your role, and what you want for the future. From a health perspective, you can be in the driver’s seat. Instead of letting perimenopause happen to you, you can choose to take charge of your experience. Let’s do that together.

Ryah Nabielski, MS, RDN is a functional nutritionist with over 17 years of clinical experience specializing in women’s health, hormones, perimenopause, metabolism, and healthy aging. She lives in the Denver, Colorado area with her family and works with clients throughout Colorado. She loves hiking, farmers markets, dark chocolate, and a good novel.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the counsel of your physician, dietitian, or other qualified health care provider.