How Long Perimenopause Really Lasts, Early vs Late Stages And Period Changes

If perimenopause feels endless and confusing, you are not imagining it. One of the biggest misconceptions is that menopause itself lasts for years, when in reality the long, messy part happens before and after it. In the latest Hello Hormones, we get into early versus late perimenopause, why symptoms shift as hormones change, how periods actually factor into diagnosis, and what labs like FSH can tell you when bleeding is not a reliable clue. If you are having symptoms but your cycles still seem regular, or you are skipping periods and wondering how close you really are, this episode will help it click. Tune in for clarity and a lot fewer question marks. Head to drcarriejones.com/stages to grab What Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Because the confusion is honestly worse than the symptoms sometimes. What's Discussed: (01:29) The six to ten year perimenopause window before menopause (01:45) Menopause defined as one day after twelve months without periods (02:27) Early perimenopause symptoms driven by declining progesterone (03:49) Late perimenopause marked by skipped cycles and estrogen decline (04:19) Skipping three periods predicts menopause within four years (07:15) Using FSH levels when periods are unreliable or absent ✍️ FREE GUIDES: Top 7 Perimenopause Myths You Need to Stop Believing ASAP: http://drcarriejones.com/myths Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101  The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom  Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause    LETS CONNECT:  Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: http://drcarriejones.com Newsletter: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter Instagram: @dr.carriejones Facebook: @drcarriejones TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: @drcarriejones Pinterest: https://br.pinterest.com/drcarriejones ========== Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.