Perimenopause describes the years leading up to actual menopause, which is not confirmed until you have missed 12 consecutive periods in a row. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but the signs and symptoms of perimenopause can start as long as ten years prior due to subtle changes in a woman’s hormone production and balance.

The result of these changes is a shutdown of the ovaries and infertility.

The Most Common Signs You’re Heading Into Menopause

The prefix peri means about or around. So, the word literally translates as “around menopause,” although we use it to describe the years before patients are officially in menopause. As you can imagine, perimenopause is one of the reasons age matters when it comes to fertility – especially when you’re in your late 30s and early- to mid-40s.

By that point, many women exhibit signs and symptoms of perimenopause. So, while you may not wholly cease ovulating until you’re in your early 50s, fertility hormones work less and less in your favor as you enter the perimenopause phase. Here are some of the most common signs you’re entering or experiencing perimenopause.

1. Your menstrual cycle gets shorter

Many women notice that they get their periods closer together during perimenopause. In many ways, this is the body’s instinctual response to waning estrogen and progesterone levels. It knows that fertility windows are closing, so it works to ovulate more often to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Unfortunately, egg quality also diminishes with age. So, even though your body may be ovulating more than usual, the eggs may not be viable for fertilization, or their resulting embryos may not successfully implant into the uterus. If they do, the embryo’s chances of miscarriage are higher than when you were younger due to compromised DNA or genetic material.

2. You begin skipping periods

Similarly, the closer to menopause you are, the more sporadic your periods will be. When you’re in your prime childbearing years (20 to 35), we say irregular periods are never normal and should always be evaluated by an OB/GYN. However, irregular periods are the norm if you’re experiencing perimenopause.

If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s and want to get pregnant, skipping periods is a sign that it’s work to speak to a fertility specialist to discuss your options.

3. The typical “menopause” symptoms

We alluded to this above, but most of the time, when people talk about “menopause symptoms,” they’re actually talking about perimenopause symptoms. While some of them may last for a few years after reaching menopause (no periods for 12 consecutive months), most begin to fade away after menopause.

Women in perimenopause are the most likely to experience:

• Night sweats.
• Interrupted sleep or insomnia.
• Moodiness and irritability.
• Reactivity.
• Hot flashes.
• Heightened sensitivity to or more potent side effects from alcohol and caffeine.
• Slowed metabolism leads to gaining weight faster and having a more challenging time taking it off.
• Thinning hair on the head and increased male-type hair growth on the face (due to higher androgen levels in response to less estrogen).
• More pain or discomfort during sex due to less lubrication and thinning vaginal tissues.

If you’re experiencing perimenopause symptoms and you want to get pregnant, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN as soon as possible. You may be able to get pregnant using Clomid, which increases the number of eggs you release, thereby increasing the chances of fertilization when timing intercourse at home.

However, depending on your age, reproductive health/history, and the length of time you’ve been trying to get pregnant, your OB/GYN may suggest consulting with a fertility specialist.

Red Flag: Early Menopause Seriously Threatens Fertility

Early menopause, which is also linked to low ovarian reserves, is a serious threat to fertility. Early menopause is diagnosed when a woman begins perimenopause in her 30s or very early 40s. This is one of the reasons you should never hesitate to contact your OB/GYN if you notice signs of perimenopause or experience irregular periods before your mid to late-40s.

RRC Supports Women in Perimenopause With Targeted Fertility Treatments

If you’re in perimenopause, time is of the essence when trying to conceive. Schedule a consultation at the Reproductive Resource Center. We have some of the best fertility treatment success rates in the region, and many of our patients come to us experiencing symptoms of menopause. Swift action and targeted fertility treatments can help you get pregnant before it’s too late.