Menopause is defined as a loss of ovarian activity and 12 months in a row without a period. The average age of menopause is 52. Perimenopause is defined as the timeframe prior to menopause and includes fluctuation in hormones and menstrual irregularities. People often start to experience early symptoms of perimenopause in their mid-forties and the transition to menopause typically lasts 8 to 10 years. Most common symptoms associated with this transition may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood irritability, poor sleep, decreased libido, and changes in body composition.
No, but they may be helpful in clarifying best treatment plan since other health issues can have overlap in symptoms with perimenopause and menopause.
A thorough health history and sometimes labs can help determine when hormones might be helpful to manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
The Menopause Society does not put an age limit to when to stop hormones but advises the least amount of hormone for the least amount of time to support symptoms is good practice. This will vary person to person and should include a risk assessment and discussion between a patient and a provider to determine when to stop hormone therapy.