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

Feeling a little funky, exhausted or sore can happen for a number of reasons, including perimenopause and menopause. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2026

When estrogen therapy is started earlier, closer to the perimenopause/menopause transition, the risk–benefit profile looks more favorable. —Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026

Later in life, being proactive gets especially pivotal for women as hormonal shifts hit during perimenopause and menopause and bone density changes rapidly. —Holly Carter, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026

Alexis Dunne always plans how to best treat her patients’ perimenopause and menopause symptoms. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 17 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)