The perimenopause is the time leading up to the menopause when your ovaries start to run out of eggs. This means hormone production decreases and, as a consequence, periods can be irregular, less frequent, heavier or lighter, and generally unpredictable. Although for some women, periods don’t change.

You may also experience symptoms during perimenopause as hormone levels can be all over the place and generally drop.

Many women don’t realise they are in the perimenopause because menopause symptoms can creep up on them. They may be subtle, such as feeling a little more anxious, or mood swings can dip lower than usual. Symptoms can come and go and change in intensity. Symptoms may be also associated with other medical conditions or just put down to ‘ageing’ rather than being recognised as being due to the menopause.

The perimenopause typically starts in your mid-to-late 40s but for some it can be earlier or later.