Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages in a woman’s life that mark the transition from reproductive to non-reproductive years. 

Perimenopause refers to the period leading up to menopause when hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, start to fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and various symptoms. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.