What is the difference between Perimenopause and Menopause?

Perimenopause is the period around the cessation of monthly menstrual bleeding. It is the time from the fertile reproduction period to postmenopausal. This time can last anywhere from 4 years up to eight years. The end of perimenopause is one year after your last period and the level of estrogen declines during perimenopause.

The hormonal imbalance is the outcome of perimenopause symptoms—patients present with irregular menstruation, heavy bleeding, and scattered bleeding during premenopause. There are also hot flashes and reduced sexual drive. Menopause is the interruption of primary ovarian functions. This event typically occurs around the 40s and early 50s.

Estrogen and progesterone encourage the growth of the endometrial lining. When conception does not occur, the inner lining of the uterus sheds. In menopause, the readiness of follicles to mature under hormonal regulation of the pituitary lessens.

Serum levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, as does pituitary secretion. FSH and LH levels rise. Some of the characteristics of lack of estrogen include the dry vagina, reduced libido, hot flashes, watery vaginal discharge, urinary symptoms, joint pain, back pain, and depression.

During the course of a woman's life, they go through a number of changes. Two of those changes are Perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause occurs in a woman during the ages of 30 to 40. It occurs before a woman goes through menopause, which is a period that occurs between the ages of 40 and 50. During perimenopause, a woman can still get periods, but they are often irregular. With menopause, a woman no longer has periods. Another difference between these two stages in a woman's life is in regards to fertility. A woman during perimenopause is still fertile, but they may experience issues with getting pregnant. During menopause, a woman is no longer fertile.