When Will I Reach Menopause?
What age does perimenopause begin? What age does menopause happen?
Menopause
Menopause is defined as a full 12 months without a period. It can happen as early as the late 30s or as late as the late 50s, with the average age for most women occurring around the age of 50.
Perimenopause
The transition to menopause, also known as perimenopause, begins years before menopause and is characterized by irregular cycling, hormone fluctuations, and a number of symptoms. It's common for women to notice the first signs of perimenopause in their 40s, though for some it can start as early as their 30s.
Can You Predict Menopause?
How do I know when I will start my menopausal transition?
A woman's age of menopause is influenced by her genetics, health history, and ovarian reserve. Until recently, this was impossible to know without simply waiting. Doctors could only make educated guesses based on your age or family history.
Tests today don't predict when you'll enter the menopause transition. They only detect if you're already in it or quite close to it.
LifeAhead's First-ever Menopause Forecast
LifeAhead offers the first tool to forecast the age of menopause and perimenopause, using your personal health profile and standard data collected in fertility clinics.
You can generate a forecast at any age, even in your early 20s and 30s.
Can You Test for Perimenopause?
Doctors use certain hormone tests to evaluate whether you're currently in perimenopause. However, these tests only reflect your current status and cannot reliably predict future timing. They tell you where you are now, not when changes will occur.
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Test
FSH levels naturally rise as you approach menopause. This test can indicate if you're currently in the perimenopausal transition.
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Test
This test helps provide a snapshot of your current ovarian reserve (the number of remaining eggs) and can provide insights into your reproductive timeline.
LifeAhead Helps You Prepare
LifeAhead's forecast can help estimate when perimenopause may begin long before it does. It also helps provide clues about whether you're currently entering the transition and when it is most likely to end.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause
As your body begins the menopause transition, you may experience a range of symptoms. These are all normal signs that your hormones are shifting.
Menstrual Changes
Irregular periods, heavier or lighter flow, spotting between periods
Temperature Changes
Hot flashes and night sweats affecting sleep and daily comfort
Sleep Issues
Trouble sleeping, insomnia, or frequent waking during the night
Mood Changes
Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or changes in emotional well-being
Cognitive Changes
Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues
Physical Changes
Vaginal dryness, changes in skin texture, or joint stiffness
When Does Perimenopause End?
Perimenopause ends when you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period. At that point, you are officially in menopause. The body has largely adjusted to a new postmenopausal hormone profile, with estrogen levels stabilizing at a lower baseline. The end of perimenopause marks the conclusion of the most active phase of hormonal shifts and symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, and irregular cycles.
What Happens After Menopause?
The period of your life after you have gone 12 months without a period is called postmenopause. While many of the most disruptive symptoms like hot flashes may begin to lessen, this is a crucial time to focus on your long-term health.
Health Considerations
Lower estrogen levels can impact bone density and heart health, so it's important to continue working with your doctor to stay healthy and strong.
Plan Ahead
LifeAhead's forecast can help estimate when perimenopause is likely to end and menopause may begin, allowing you to better plan for this important life transition.
Learn More
For more information from medical professionals on menopause and the menopause transition, please read these resources: