FAQ · Family Services
What is perimenopause and how is it different from menopause?
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when changing hormone levels affect the menstrual cycle. Menopause itself is the point when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The Office on Women's Health notes that the transition often begins in a woman's 40s, sometimes in the late 30s, and typically lasts two to eight years. Menopause is a normal part of aging, not a disease.
Perimenopause vs menopause
Perimenopause is the years-long transition when hormone levels shift and periods become irregular. Menopause is a single point in time: 12 consecutive months without a period. After that point, you are considered postmenopausal.
Common changes
Common changes described by the Office on Women's Health include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and joint or muscle discomfort. Symptoms vary widely from person to person.
Non-clinical support
Black Pearl offers education, emotional support, and advocacy for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, with the same cultural grounding as the rest of its work. This support is non-clinical: it does not replace medical evaluation or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.
When to talk with a provider
Tell your provider about symptoms such as hot flashes or trouble sleeping, and see a provider to rule out other causes for missed periods or if you have not had a period for a year and start bleeding again. This is general education, not individualized medical advice.
Still have questions?
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