This hallmarks changes in our hormones estrogen and progesterone. "Peri" means around the time of and menopause is the ending of our period for twelve months in a row. According to Dr. Judith Reichman's book, I'm Too Young To Get Old perimenopause is the time around menopause.Perimenopause can best be summed up as the time when your body gets ready for menopause. At menopause our estrogen and progesterone levels become quite low. It is during perimenopause that our body gets ready for these new lower levels. It is a sort of dress rehearsal. The fluctuations in these hormones along with FSH (follocular stimulating hormone) and LH (leutinizing hormone)) cause the symptoms of perimenopause.

How do I know if I am in perimenopause?

Meet the author
Stephanie DeGraff Bender, MA
Author of "Power of Perimenopause"
She has been in the forefront of women's hormonal health for the last 20 years. Her work in unearthing the seemingly mysteries of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) has led to her current expertise in perimenopause. The Power of Perimenopause has sold thousands of copies and is a well respected women's health guide. Her appearances on Oprah, CBS Morning News, Donahue have left no doubt that she is a women's advocate in the best sense of the word.

Meet The Author
Steven R. Goldstein, MD
"Could It be Perimenopause?"
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Interviews, excerpts & support group
Dr. Goldstein is renowned for his pioneering work in   ultrasonography. He lectures physicians through out  the United States about the latest techniques and equipment in this specialized field. He discovered the incredible need for further awareness about perimenopause through his work in ultrasonography.What is perimenopause? Many of the signs and symptoms can be subtle and are OFTEN confused and misdiagnosed in young women in their 30's and 40's. Do you have it? Find our more.

Meet the Author
Larrian Gillespie, MD
Author of "The Menopause Diet"
FREE recipe & FREE book excerpt, "Female, Fat, and Forty
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Millions of women in perimenopause and menopause ask themselves in frustration, "Why am I gaining weight when I'm still eating the same amounts of food and continue my exercise program?" Her books work hand in hand for any woman in her forties who is trying to lose weight and feel great.  Dr. Gillespie recipe's are delicious and easy to prepare.  Her book The Menopause Diet is excellent and educates us to how our body actually works against us during perimenopause/menopause. Find out more.

Eat Cheat & Melt Fat Away
Weight loss books
FREE Healthy Cooking Recipes
FREE Fit 'n Trim Support

As seen on Oprah...

The Wisdom of Menopause
For Women Only : A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life
FREE Weight loss support group
FREE Natural meno ideas
FREE Medication guide

HotFlash Faq:
How can birth control pills help symptoms of perimenopause?
There is a whole new group of BCPs like Loestrin that were created especially for women over 35 years of age.  Not only do they function to help with the often disruptive symptoms of perimenopause, they work as an effective means of birth control.  They contain just enough estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancies and help with perimenopause. Find out more.