Definition

The time in a woman's life when her body is transitioning to menopause, marked by changes in menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations.

Example

Many women experience various symptoms during perimenopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Conversation

Have you heard about perimenopause and what it involves?

Yeah, I read that it's a phase before menopause starts, right?

Exactly, and it can come with some pretty uncomfortable symptoms.

I can only imagine how challenging that must be for women.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Perimenopause is formed from "peri-" (meaning around) and "menopause" (from Greek "mēn" meaning month and "pausis" meaning cessation). The term describes the transitional period around the cessation of monthly menstrual cycles.

Memory Tip

Think of 'peri-' meaning 'around' and 'menopause' referring to the 'cessation of monthly cycles' — so perimenopause is the time around the end of those cycles.

Visually Confused Words