What is the most common age for menopause to begin?

There is no standard answer to this question; however, the average age for American women to cease having their periods is 52. Some women will begin to experience menopausal symptoms as early as their 40s or even 30s.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the name of the stage leading up to menopause, when hormone production is starting to fluctuate and you may begin to notice other symptoms, such as hot flashes. During perimenopause you still have your periods.

Is there a test to determine if you are in your perimenopause?

Yes; there is a blood test that will determine the level of your hormones at the time the blood was drawn. The problem with this test is that during perimenopause your hormones fluctuate wildly from one day to the next. Having the test done two or three times over the period of a few weeks and averaging the results is the most reliable way of determining whether or not you are perimenopausal.

How long does this transitional stage last?

Since all women are different, it is difficult to say. Some women will breeze through it, and for others it may last for as long as 10 years.