Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. Menopause is when a woman's periods stop, the cutoff being no periods for a whole one year. It's marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. This time can last 2 to 10 years. During this time: Releases eggs less regularly Produces less estrogen and other female hormones Becomes less fertile Has shorter and more irregular menstrual cycles What causes perimenopause? Perimenopause is a natural process caused when your ovaries gradually stop working. Ovulation may become erratic and eventually stops. The menstrual cycle lengthens and flow may become irregular before your final period. Symptoms are caused by the fluctuating levels of hormones in the body. When estrogen is higher, you may have symptoms like you might have with PMS. When estrogen is low, you may experience hot flashes or night sweats. These changes may be punctuated with normal cycles. What are the symptoms of peri...