perimenopause
perimenopause Lexical Profile
perimenopause Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The transitional physiological stage in a woman's reproductive life preceding menopause, characterized by declining ovarian function, fluctuating estrogen levels, and irregular menstrual cycles.
"Her doctor explained that the sudden sleep disturbances and irregular cycles were normal signs of perimenopause."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse perimenopause with menopause itself: perimenopause refers to the multi-year transitional phase of fluctuating hormone levels leading up to the end of menstruation, whereas clinical menopause is only reached after twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period.
• Rhymes for perimenopause
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in late 20th-century medical English by combining the Ancient Greek prefix peri- ('around' or 'near') with menopause, itself derived from Greek mēn ('month') and pausis ('cessation').