How do I know if I’m in perimenopause?

There’s no single test that can definitively determine you are in perimenopause, but tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you notice patterns over time. This data can be useful when discussing your health with a healthcare provider, who may recommend hormone tests to rule out other conditions and confirm perimenopause.

 

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause (which is the point at which you haven’t had a period for 12 months). Perimenopause typically lasts four to five years on average, and the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms can vary widely from person to person. 

 

One of the earliest signs is a change in your menstrual cycle. You might notice your periods becoming irregular—they may be longer or shorter in duration, or may not happen at all. Typically, in early perimenopause, menstrual cycle lengths vary by more than 7 days.

 

Beyond changes in your period, other common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. These impacts are caused by fluctuating and declining levels of estrogen and progesterone. 

 

If you’re in your mid-40s or older and experiencing these signs, it’s likely you’re entering perimenopause. However, since symptoms can vary widely, talking to your healthcare provider and tracking your cycle with an app like Clue can help give you clarity.

 

Find out more about perimenopause from the Clue Science Team here.

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