Wondering if perimenopause is almost over? Keep an eye out for these 10 signs to demystify your perimenopause journey and understand your unique timeline.
Perimenopause may feel endless, but it doesn’t actually last forever.
Approximately 1.3 million women transition into menopause each year in the US [1]. That means that you and around 3,500 other women could reach the end of perimenopause on any given day!
How can you tell when you’re nearing the end of your perimenopause journey ? Your symptoms and hormones hold the answer. Read on to learn the 10 clear signs that mean perimenopause is ending.
When does perimenopause end?
During perimenopause, you undergo a major biological and hormonal shift as you transition to menopause over the course of a couple years to a decade or more.
Perimenopause ends after the stage known as late perimenopause. Late perimenopause may last about one to three years, although exact timing depends on each person [1].
In late perimenopause, symptoms tend to change. Some may start to get better, or become more predictable. Others may worsen before improving. You may even develop new symptoms for the first time. Once perimenopause ends and you reach official menopause, symptoms generally go away.
10 clear signs perimenopause is ending
How do you decode what’s happening in your body and understand when you’re nearing the end of the menopausal transition? By monitoring perimenopause symptoms and tracking key reproductive hormones.
Let’s take a look at 10 of the most common and clear signs perimenopause is ending.
1. Periods become more and more infrequent
You may already know that irregular periods are a telltale sign you’re in perimenopause, but did you know that periods can also clue you in to the end of perimenopause?
Experiencing very infrequent periods is the most reliable sign perimenopause is ending. In fact, doctors consider that you’re officially in late perimenopause when you experience stretches of 60 days or more without a period (amenorrhea) [1]. So if you go months between periods, it could mean that perimenopause is ending soon.
Remember, though, that as long as your periods still come, no matter how infrequently, you’re still in perimenopause. Once 12 consecutive months have passed since your last period, it means your periods have stopped altogether and you’ve reached menopause.
2. Hot flashes intensify
Hot flashes (also called vasomotor symptoms) are sudden, intense bursts of heat in the head, face, neck, chest, and/or upper back.
For many, hot flashes intensify near the end of perimenopause. This symptom tends to pop up around two years before menopause, then peak in intensity one year before. From there, they generally start to improve sometime after menopause [2].
If your hot flashes are noticeably worse than before, or if you suddenly start experiencing hot flashes for the first time, it could be a sign perimenopause is ending.
3. Emotional symptoms get worse – or improve
The menopausal transition often impacts emotional well-being, and more intense emotional symptoms could mean that perimenopause is ending. As periods become infrequent in late perimenopause, many people experience an increase in depressive symptoms and anxiety [3].
At the same time, though, perimenopause mood swings may start improving. Hormone levels are beginning to stabilize as you near menopause, leading to fewer hormone fluctuations. As a result, the perimenopause emotional rollercoaster can start to level out. Over time, depressive symptoms will improve, too.
Be sure to seek professional support if you need help with mental health and perimenopause mood symptoms.
4. Weight gain slows
It’s common to gain weight as your body changes during perimenopause. If you notice that your weight seems more stable, though, it could be a sign perimenopause is ending. With hormones beginning to level out, weight gain may slow or even plateau, especially when you also eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly [4].
Regular exercise can also help your body and muscles stay strong, counteracting the loss of muscle mass that happens during perimenopause [5]. Anything that gets your heart rate going is good!
5. Vaginal symptoms get worse
Perimenopause may be ending soon if your vaginal symptoms are getting worse.
Estrogen is essential for maintaining vaginal health. As estrogen levels reach their lowest point near the end of perimenopause, the collection of vaginal symptoms known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause becomes both increasingly common and more severe [1].
Symptoms include:
Vaginal dryness and irritation Overactive bladder Pain during sex (dyspareunia) By late perimenopause, it’s estimated that around one out of three women experiences vaginal dryness and dyspareunia [3].
6. Joint pain and muscle aches become more noticeable
If your body feels sorer and achier than usual, it could be an indication that perimenopause is ending.
7. Brain fog starts to clear
Perimenopause brain fog can scramble your brain and make it harder to think and concentrate, with symptoms like forgetfulness, mental fuzziness, and difficulty processing information.
If it feels like your brain fog is starting to lift, though, it could mean perimenopause is ending.
Research indicates that cognitive symptoms start improving in late perimenopause [7]. After menopause, you’ll likely feel like you’re back to your normal, pre-perimenopause levels of cognitive functioning [8].
8. Sex drive decreases
If you find yourself less and less interested in physical intimacy, you may be close to the end of perimenopause.
Long-term research suggests that sex drive decreases significantly in late perimenopause, starting around two years before menopause [9]. Everything from genitourinary syndrome of menopause to the major life and physical changes you’re undergoing can all impact your sex drive.
If a lower sex drive is distressing, consider talking to a therapist or couples counsellor. For physical discomfort or pain during sex, talk to your doctor about treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants.
9. Sleep gradually improves
If you’re slowly starting to sleep better, it may be because perimenopause is ending soon.
As you get closer to menopause and hormone levels become increasingly stable, certain perimenopause symptoms impacting your ability to get quality sleep may start to ease, which may help sleep problems begin to go away.
After official menopause, some people may find that sleep problems improve even more [9]. This isn’t the case for everyone, though: others continue to have trouble sleeping beyond menopause.
10. Hormone tracking shows stabilizing hormones
You can also understand your perimenopause stage by tracking your hormones with at-home perimenopause kits and lab tests.
The odds are good that perimenopause is ending soon if your hormone test results show [10]:
Fewer fluctuations Consistently low levels of estrogen, progesterone, and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) Consistently high levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Daily hormone tracking tools like the Oova perimenopause kit enable you to better capture the sustained hormone changes that indicate the end of perimenopause.
Signs perimenopause is ending: The bottom line
Monitoring your perimenopause symptoms and your hormone levels can help you understand whether perimenopause is ending. Signs like infrequent periods, worse hot flashes, less brain fog, and consistently low levels of estrogen and progesterone may all mean you’ll soon reach menopause.
Identifying where you are in the menopausal transition can help you more fully understand your body, make informed choices about your health, and better advocate for your care as you move into a new phase of your life.
FAQs
How long does late perimenopause last?
Late perimenopause typically lasts one to three years, although exact timing varies from person to person. Some women may only experience a few months of late perimenopause, while others may stay in this stage for longer.
Can perimenopause symptoms get worse before perimenopause ends?
Yes, it’s common for certain symptoms to get worse before perimenopause ends (then improve after menopause). Irregular periods, hot flashes, and vaginal symptoms, for example, tend to peak toward the end of perimenopause.
Should I see a doctor if I think perimenopause is ending?
It’s important to schedule regular check-ups as you get older. Reaching official menopause comes with factors to monitor with your healthcare providers, like an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems.
How can I manage late perimenopause?
Your doctor can help you find strategies for managing late perimenopause symptoms. Common treatments include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormonal contraceptives, and certain antidepressants, as well as lifestyle interventions like a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
