What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels fluctuate and women may begin to experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular periods, and mood swings. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Once menopause has occurred, a woman is considered post-menopausal.