Direct Answer: Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause, marked by fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels, and can last several years. Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
🔬 The Science Behind Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause usually begins in the mid-40s (though it can start earlier). During this stage, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen, leading to irregular cycles, hot flushes, mood changes, and sleep disruption. Hormone levels fluctuate — sometimes spiking, sometimes dropping — which is why symptoms can feel unpredictable.
Menopause itself is a point in time: when your periods stop for 12 months in a row. After that, you are considered postmenopausal. At this stage, oestrogen and progesterone are consistently low, and some symptoms (like hot flushes) may settle while others (like bone loss and vaginal dryness) become more prominent.
📊 Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Perimenopause | Menopause |
|---|---|---|
| Hormones | Fluctuating oestrogen & progesterone | Consistently low oestrogen & progesterone |
| Menstrual cycle | Irregular, sometimes heavy or skipped | Absent for 12 months |
| Symptoms | Hot flushes, mood swings, anxiety, poor sleep, irregular bleeding | Hot flushes, bone thinning, skin changes, urogenital symptoms |
| Duration | Several years (average 4–8) | One moment in time, followed by postmenopause |
🌿 Nutrient and Herbal Support
Hormonal shifts can put extra strain on the body — from energy metabolism to bone health. This is where nutritional and herbal support becomes valuable.
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PERI by Arbor Vitamins is tailored for the transition years. With ingredients like red clover extract (a natural phytoestrogen), maca root for energy and mood balance, and ginkgo biloba for cognitive support, it’s designed to ease the ups and downs of perimenopause.
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MENO by Arbor Vitamins is built for postmenopausal support. It includes soy isoflavones (for oestrogen-like activity), dong quai root extract (traditional support for hot flushes), sage leaf (linked to temperature regulation), and coenzyme Q10 for cellular energy and heart health.
By choosing a blend suited to your stage, you support your body’s unique needs without over- or under-supplementing.
👉 Explore PERI here
👉 Explore MENO here
🧠 Summary
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Perimenopause = the transition years with fluctuating hormones.
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Menopause = officially diagnosed after 12 months without periods, with hormones consistently low.
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Symptoms overlap, but nutritional and herbal needs differ.
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PERI supports the fluctuating stage, while MENO supports long-term balance and postmenopausal wellbeing.
👉 Explore PERI here
👉 Explore MENO here
❓ FAQs: Menopause vs Perimenopause
Q: How do I know if I’m in perimenopause?
A: If you’re in your 40s (sometimes 30s) with irregular cycles, mood changes, and hot flushes, you’re likely in perimenopause.
Q: When is menopause officially diagnosed?
A: After 12 consecutive months with no menstrual periods.
Q: Can I take supplements in both stages?
A: Yes, but it’s best to choose formulas tailored to your stage. PERI is designed for perimenopause, while MENO is for menopause.
👉 Explore PERI here
👉 Explore MENO here
