Word parts
What it means
It often starts in the 40s and can last several years. Common changes are irregular periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes and vaginal dryness. It ends at menopauseMEN-uh-pawzThe time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop for good, counted once there has been no period for 12 months in a row.men/o month, menstruation-pause stopFull entry , 12 months in a row without a period. Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause.
For the nurse
Teach that birth control is still needed until menopause is confirmed, and that bleeding after menopause should be reported.
At a glance
| Spanish | perimenopausia |
|---|---|
| Also written | perimenopausal |
Related terms
peri-
A word beginning that means around or near.
menopause
The time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop for good, counted once there has been no period for 12 months in a row.
estrogen
A female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.
menstrual
Having to do with menstruation, the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus as bleeding from the vagina.