Definition

This term describes the period or condition that occurs just before a woman experiences menopause, which is the end of her menstrual cycles.

Example

Many women experience various symptoms during their premenopausal years.

Conversation

I've been reading about changes that happen during the premenopausal phase.

Oh really? What did you find out?

It seems like many women experience a lot of emotional ups and downs during that time.

Yeah, I can imagine that would be challenging to navigate.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Premenopausal** → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "menopausa" (from Greek *mēnopause*, meaning the cessation of menstruation). The word "premenopausal" refers to the period before the cessation of menstruation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning before and 'menopause' referring to the end of menstruation — so premenopausal describes the time before that change.

Visually Confused Words