Although the word “menopause” often serves as shorthand for the whole process, the menopausal transition actually happens in stages — and menopause is only one of them.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when a woman has symptoms (like hot flashes and irregular periods) linked to hormone changes.
Menopause technically only lasts a single day — the one marking 12 consecutive months without a period.
Postmenopause starts the day after you’ve gone 12 months without a period (menopause) and lasts the rest of your life.
Early menopause is when menopause (12 months without a period) happens before age 45.
Premature menopause is when menopause happens before age 40.
Medically induced menopause is menopause caused by a medical treatment like chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Note: While it’s not a technical term, some people use the word “ premenopause ” to refer to the timespan between when you start your period and when you reach menopause.
Questions about the stages and terminology of menopause? Talk to your clinician or visit healthywomen.org to learn more.
This educational resource was created with support from Astellas.
