Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Many women know the word menopause. Fewer have heard of perimenopause — even though it’s often responsible for years of confusing, disruptive symptoms.
If you’ve been feeling “off” but aren’t sure why, understanding the difference between perimenopause and menopause can be the first step toward feeling better.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, and it can last anywhere from five to ten years. It often begins in a woman’s late 30s or 40s.
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone fluctuate unpredictably. These hormonal shifts can affect energy, mood, sleep, metabolism, and even bladder and vaginal health.
Common perimenopause symptoms include:
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Weight gain or resistance to weight loss
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Changes in libido or intimacy
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Because hormone levels rise and fall during this phase, many women are told their labs look “normal,” even when symptoms are very real.
Have questions or not sure where you fit?
Schedule a free consultation with Hollie Town, PA-C, Owner of Aqua Aesthetics & Wellness, to talk through your symptoms and options.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. At this point, estrogen levels remain consistently low rather than fluctuating.
Menopause symptoms may include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disruption
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort during intimacy
- Mood changes
- Decreased energy or libido
For many women, menopause symptoms don’t resolve on their own — and can continue to affect quality of life for years.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause helps guide the right type of care.
Perimenopause often requires:
- Careful symptom tracking
- Thoughtful hormone support
- Ongoing monitoring as hormones fluctuate
Menopause care may focus more on:
- Symptom relief
- Long-term bone, heart, and brain health
- Vaginal and pelvic support
- Restoring comfort and confidence
Both stages deserve personalized, medically guided care.
Treatment Options for Hormonal Changes
There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Depending on your symptoms, goals, and medical history, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle and wellness support
- Bioidentical hormone therapy
- Monitoring and lab evaluation
- Support for vaginal tissue health
- Pelvic floor and bladder support when needed
The goal is not to “fight aging,” but to support your body through change and help you feel like yourself again.
When to Seek Support
If you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with daily life — or if something simply feels off — it’s worth having a conversation.
Women often wait years before seeking help, assuming symptoms are just something they must accept. That doesn’t have to be the case.
At Aqua Aesthetics & Wellness, we help women across Lansing and Mid-Michigan navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity, compassion, and medical expertise.
Final Thought
Hormonal changes are a normal part of life — but suffering through them is not.
Understanding the difference between perimenopause and menopause empowers you to ask better questions, seek the right care, and move forward with confidence.
Questions? Not Sure Where You Fit?
If you’re experiencing changes in energy, mood, weight, sleep, or intimacy — and you’re not sure whether it’s perimenopause, menopause, or something else — you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We invite you to book a complimentary consultation with Hollie Town, PA-C, Owner of Aqua Aesthetics & Wellness.
This is a no-pressure conversation focused on:
- Understanding what you’re experiencing
- Answering your questions honestly
- Exploring whether hormone or wellness support may be right for you
📍 Serving women throughout Lansing & Mid-Michigan
👉 Schedule your free consultation with Hollie Town, PA-C
Key Takeaways
- Many women are aware of menopause but fewer know about perimenopause, which can cause years of symptoms.
- Perimenopause is a transitional phase that can last 5-10 years, marked by fluctuating hormones and symptoms like fatigue and mood swings.
- Menopause occurs after 12 consecutive months without a period, leading to stable, low hormone levels with associated symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Understanding the difference between perimenopause and menopause is crucial for appropriate care and support options.
- If experiencing disruptive symptoms, seeking guidance can lead to effective management and improved quality of life.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms may come and go. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when estrogen levels remain consistently low.
Perimenopause often begins in a woman’s late 30s or 40s, though timing varies. Some women experience symptoms earlier, while others notice changes closer to menopause.
Yes. Many women continue to have periods during perimenopause, though cycles may become irregular, heavier, lighter, or unpredictable as hormone levels fluctuate.
Common symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety or mood changes, brain fog, weight gain, irregular cycles, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and changes in bladder control.
For some women, yes. Bioidentical hormone therapy may help relieve symptoms when thoughtfully prescribed and carefully monitored. Treatment is always individualized.