Are You In Perimenopause? Signs, Symptoms, and What to Ask Your Doctor

As confusion and misunderstanding about perimenopause persist, learn how to recognize and manage symptoms of this life transition. Not everyone experiences perimenopause in the same way. The timing, severity, and symptomology may differ greatly from one person to the next. Olga Pankova/Moment/Getty Images Perimenopause has only recently entered the cultural conversation despite being a transitional life stage experienced by all females. An estimated 2 million women enter perimenopause each year in the United States, with the average onset occurring during the mid-40s and lasting around 4 to 8 years. Common symptoms may include hot flashes, irregular periods, vaginal changes, and psychological effects, such as exhaustion and irritability, that may interfere with daily activities, work, and overall quality of life. A recent global study found that perimenopausal women experienced a 1.5-fold increase in psychological symptoms like physical and mental exhaustion. Yet not everyone experiences perimenopause in the same way. The timing, severity, and symptomology of the menopause transition often differ substantially from one person to the next. A 2025 study lists around 145,000 symptoms…