Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a quick breakdown of its stages:
Subtle signs like irregular periods and mild mood changes begin.
Periods become noticeably irregular, and mood swings may intensify.
Symptoms peak as periods become highly unpredictable.
Symptoms may worsen, but menopause is just around the corner.
On average, perimenopause lasts about 7 years but can range from 2 to 12 years. Most women reach menopause around age 51, so if you’re in your mid-forties, perimenopause may be well underway.