Q4. What is the ‘perimenopause?’

A4. This is the initial stage of the menopause which is characterised by hormonal shifts. The female hormones oestrogen and progesterone are responsible for ovulation and the menstrual cycle but there are dramatic changes in these around this time.

The hormones start to fluctuate widely which results in a variety of symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

This heralds the start of the menopause process.

Find out more in our perimenopausesection.

FAQ:

Menopause FAQs

1. What is the menopause?
2. What age do you start the menopause?
3. What is a ‘premature menopause?’
4. What is the ‘perimenopause?’
5. What is the ‘premenopause?’
6. What are symptoms of the menopause?
7. Can you become pregnant whilst going through the menopause?
8. Why do you put on weight during the menopause?
9. What are hot flushes?
10. My mother started the menopause at the age of 46, will I do the same?

11. What are mood swings?
12. Why do women lose interest in sex during the menopause?
13. Can you still be sexually active after the menopause?
14. Why do women fear the menopause?
15. What is HRT?
16. Why is there so much controversy around HRT?
17. What treatment is available for the menopause?
18. How likely am I to develop osteoporosis?
19. How long does the menopause last?
20. What is the ‘postmenopause?’