perimenopause

noun

peri·​men·​o·​pause ˌper-ē-ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz 

-ˈmē-

: the period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical signs (such as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity)

perimenopausal

ˌper-ē-ˌme-nə-ˈpȯ-zəl 

-ˌmē-

adjective

Examples of perimenopause in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Levels of the sleep hormone melatonin start to decline during perimenopause and drop more once a woman is in menopause. —Erica Sweeney, SELF, 21 Mar. 2025

This study is just scratching the surface of the sleep-hormone connection during perimenopause, and much more research needs to be done. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 14 Mar. 2025

The market includes a new wave of telehealth companies that have cropped up in the last few years, offering virtual clinics for menopause and perimenopause (the period between a woman's reproductive years and menopause). —Tina Reed, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025

Variable estrogen levels impact mood, says Dr. Maki, who co-authored the first guidelines to identify and treat depression in perimenopause. —Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perimenopause

• ahs
• baas
• cause
• clause
• claws
• coz
• daws
• draws
• flaws
• gauze
• gnaws
• haws

Medical Definition

perimenopause

noun

peri·​men·​o·​pause -ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz, -ˈmēn- 

: the period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical signs (as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity)