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

Guthrie and Hager led a segment with a health expert about the symptoms of perimenopause. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026

More open conversations about menopause and the period leading up to it — called perimenopause — are happening at the same time that marketing has been supercharged by social media. —ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026

In perimenopause, those same two hormones tumble downward, often on a zigzagging path, which can trigger similar mental symptoms, like anxiety or a short fuse. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 6 Apr. 2026

Who Stands to Benefit Most Women in perimenopause dealing with hormonal sleep disruption are among the groups most likely to see results. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026

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)