Perimenopause marks the transition into menopause. It’s a gradual changeover when your ovaries produce less estrogen and your hormone levels begin to shift. Perimenopause generally begins sometime in your 40s (but can begin earlier – even in your 30s) when you notice that your menstrual cycles are changing. You may skip a month (or two), or your cycle may be heavier (or lighter) than normal.3-4
You might even experience hot flashes or night sweats. Those aren’t just reserved strictly for menopause; they can happen earlier.