Perimenopause is the phase where a woman sometimes ovulates in one cycle and then may not ovulate in the next. This phase is probably the most difficult to deal with because there is no predictability. From month to month, a woman is left wondering whether or not she’ll ovulate. This translates into erratic or fluctuating levels of hormones that can dramatically affect her well being.

Menopause is the point in a woman's life when she has not had a menstrual period for 1 year. Menopause marks the end of the childbearing years. It is sometimes called "the change of life." For most women, menopause happens around age 50, but every woman's body has its own timeline. Some women stop having periods in their mid-40s. Others continue well into their 50s. Perimenopause is the process of change that leads up to menopause.

The most common symptoms of perimenopause are hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, irritability or mood swings, unusual weight gain, irregular periods, anxiety, feelings of depression, fuzzy thinking, bloating or gas, headaches, joint pain or stiffness, vaginal dryness, diminished sexual desire, and leaking of urine. Click here for further information on your symptoms. (For more FAQ's on menopause and perimenopause, click here.)

Yes, but its less likely as ovulation, the period when women can conceive, has become irregular. Until a woman goes without a period for one full year, precautions to avoid an unwanted pregnancy should still be taken.

Your symptoms may well be the result of the hormonal imbalances of perimenopause, which can precede menopause by 15 years or more. In fact, if you're in your early 30's and experiencing hormonal imbalance, it's that much more important that you focus on establishing a good foundation of support.

Talk to your health care provider about the physical and emotional changes you are experiencing, including anxiety or depression. Keep track in your diary any other symptoms you may be experiencing, when they occur and the circumstances i.e. Hot flash every evening after you drink red wine. Three hot flashes per night on those nights you've had wine. See if there is a pattern or triggers for your symptoms. You can change or avoid these triggers and thereby avoid or lessen the symptom.

Perimenopause is the time preceding menopause when physical and emotional changes can begin to occur. Perimenopause literally means around the menopause.

Yes, though pregnancy is less likely since ovulation, when women can conceive, become more irregular. Until a women goes one full year without a period, she should consider herself fertile and continue using birth control methods.