Understanding Your Timeline
When Will I Reach Menopause?
A comprehensive guide to understanding your reproductive timeline, from perimenopause to postmenopause.
Foundations
What age does perimenopause begin?
What age does menopause happen?
Menopause
Menopause is defined as a full 12 months without a period. It can happen as early as the mid 30s or as late as the late 50s, with the average age for most people occurring around age 50.
Typical Age Range
Perimenopause
The transition to menopause begins years before menopause and is characterized by irregular cycling, hormone fluctuations, and various symptoms. Most people notice signs in their 40s, though some experience them in their 30s.
Common Signs
The Question
Can You Predict Menopause?
How do I know when I will start my menopausal transition?
Your age of menopause is influenced by your genetics, health history, and ovarian reserve. Until recently, this was impossible to know without simply waiting. Doctors could only make educated guesses based on your age or family history.
Traditional tests don't predict when you'll enter the menopause transition—they only detect if you're already in it or quite close.
LifeAhead Innovation
The First-Ever Menopause Forecast
LifeAhead offers the first scientifically validated service forecasting the age of menopause and perimenopause, using your personal health profile and standard data collected in fertility clinics.
Important: AFC must be collected at baseline, prior to any stimulation cycles. Stimulation for egg-freezing or IVF increases developing eggs beyond your normal levels, and so is not reflective of your body's natural state.
Generate a forecast at any age—even in your early 20s and 30s.
Age (years)
Clinical Tools
Can You Test for Perimenopause?
Doctors use certain hormone tests to evaluate whether you're currently in perimenopause. However, these tests only reflect your current status and cannot reliably predict future timing.
FSH levels naturally rise as you approach menopause. This test can indicate if you're currently late in the menopausal transition.
AMH decreases across the menopausal transition. This test can provide an estimate of your current stage of reproductive aging.
LifeAhead Helps You Prepare
LifeAhead's forecast can help estimate when perimenopause may begin long before it does. It also helps provide clues about whether you're currently entering the transition and when it is most likely to end, so that you can plan with your doctor.
What to Expect
Common Signs of Perimenopause
As your body begins the menopause transition, you may experience a range of symptoms. These are all normal signs that your hormones are shifting.
Menstrual Changes
Irregular periods, heavier or lighter flow, spotting between periods
Temperature Changes
Hot flashes and night sweats affecting sleep and daily comfort
Sleep Issues
Trouble sleeping, insomnia, or frequent waking during the night
Mood Changes
Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or changes in emotional well-being
Cognitive Changes
Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues
Physical Changes
Vaginal dryness, changes in skin texture, or joint stiffness
When Does Perimenopause End?
Perimenopause ends when you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period. At that point, you are officially in menopause. The body has largely adjusted to a new postmenopausal hormone profile, with estrogen levels stabilizing at a lower baseline. The end of perimenopause marks the conclusion of the most active phase of hormonal shifts.
The Next Chapter
What Happens After Menopause?
The period of your life after you have gone 12 months without a period is called postmenopause. While many of the most disruptive symptoms may begin to lessen, this is a crucial time to focus on long-term health.
Health Considerations
Lower estrogen levels can impact bone density and heart health, so it's important to continue working with your doctor to stay healthy and strong.
Plan Ahead
LifeAhead's forecast can help estimate when perimenopause is likely to end and menopause may begin, allowing you to better plan for this important life transition.
Further Reading
Learn More
For more information from medical professionals on menopause and the menopause transition: