What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels that can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Often beginning in a woman’s 40s, this stage is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed due to its variability and overlap with other conditions. For nurses, understanding perimenopause is critical to recognizing symptom patterns, validating patient concerns, and providing informed, patient-centered care during this often confusing and under-discussed phase of life.