What is perimenopause? When does it start, and how long does it last?

Perimenopause is a transitional period before menopause. It typically starts in a woman’s mid- to late-40s and means the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen over time, until menopause, when estrogen production stops altogether. On average, perimenopause lasts about 4 years, according to the Cleveland Clinic, although it can last up to 8 years for some people. 

How do you know if you're in perimenopause?

The biggest clue is your age — most people are in perimenopause in their 40s, although some people start to see changes to their periods as early as their mid-30s.

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Everyone experiences perimenopause a little differently, but it typically starts with irregular periods. Other symptoms might include hot flashes and vaginal dryness. If you're experiencing any of these intermittently and they're bothering you, talk to your doctor — there are treatments available to help manage your symptoms.

How can someone still get pregnant in a phase of menopause?

As long as you’re still ovulating, it’s possible to get pregnant, and many people ovulate during perimenopause. If you’re still getting a period and don’t want to get pregnant, you should still use birth control, even though the chances of pregnancy are fairly low.

Is there an exact point where someone can’t get pregnant anymore? 

When a woman hasn’t had a period in 12 months and her doctor has confirmed her menopause, she can’t get pregnant without fertility assistance. Until then, though, it’s possible (although unlikely for most people) to get pregnant, so it's important to continue to use birth control to avoid the chance of pregnancy.

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There is an exception: Women can go through IVF to get pregnant after menopause, either by using donor eggs or eggs they’d frozen earlier in their lives. 

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