Perimenopause vs Menopause: A Plain Explanation

Three stages, one long transition. Hot flashes often begin in the messy in-between, before periods fully stop.

The three stages

• Perimenopause: symptoms begin and periods become irregular, but have not stopped.
• Menopause: defined as 12 months with no period.
• Postmenopause: the years after that point.

Stage definitions from NCBI NBK447620.

Why the in-between is hard to track

In perimenopause cycles are unpredictable, so apps built around a clean monthly cycle do not fit well. A symptom diary that just records episodes when they happen, independent of any cycle, works better for the chaotic in-between. Glasyn is built symptom-first for exactly this reason.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is when symptoms begin and periods are irregular. Menopause is defined as 12 months with no period. Postmenopause is the time after that.

Can I get hot flashes in perimenopause?

Yes. Vasomotor symptoms often begin during perimenopause, before periods fully stop.

Why not just use a period tracker?

In perimenopause cycles are irregular, so cycle-based apps fit poorly. A symptom-first diary that logs episodes as they happen works better.

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