How to Tell When You’re Ending Perimenopause?

Written by Lusine Boyajian

Symptoms That Suggest Perimenopause is Ending

Women can being experiencing symptoms of perimenopause at different ages. Most commonly, women will begin experiencing symptoms in their 40s; however, some women may start much earlier due to underlying conditions. The biggest question with perimenopause is “How long will these symptoms last?” While perimenopause can last anywhere between three to ten years for most, there’s no defined time when perimenopause ends (except 12 consecutive months without a period). The following symptoms may suggest that the perimenopause stage is ending, and the individual is entering the menopause stage: 

1. The absence of menstruation is one of the key indicators of the transition from perimenopause to menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Once you have gone an entire year without a period, you have likely reached menopause.
2. Perimenopause is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, resulting in irregular periods and various symptoms. As you approach the end of perimenopause, you may notice a decrease in the intensity and frequency of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
3. Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep – symptoms of insomnia 
4. The urge to urinate more frequently (also known as urinary urgency)
5. Hot flashes (feeling very warm all throughout your body)
6. Vaginal dryness – experiencing discomfort during intercourse
7. Your healthcare provider can perform hormone level tests, such as measuring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. The purpose of this is to help determine if you are entering menopause. Elevated FSH levels can indicate diminished ovarian function. It’s normal for hormone levels to be unsteady when entering the menopause stage.
8. The average age for women to enter menopause is around 51, so if you are in your early to mid-50s and experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it is very likely that you are nearing the end of perimenopause.

Discuss Your Symptoms with Your Doctor

It’s essential to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your healthcare provider, as they can evaluate your individual situation and provide guidance based on your specific needs. They may conduct physical exams, review your medical history, and consider any relevant test results to determine if you are transitioning to menopause.

Remember that perimenopause and menopause are natural processes and the end of perimenopause is a gradual transition. It’s important to maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health and receive appropriate guidance throughout this phase of life.

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