perimenopause

noun

peri·​men·​o·​pause ˌper-ē-ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz How to pronounce perimenopause (audio)
-ˈmē-
: the period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical signs (such as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity)
perimenopausal
ˌper-ē-ˌme-nə-ˈpȯ-zəl How to pronounce perimenopause (audio)
-ˌmē-
adjective

Examples of perimenopause in a Sentence

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Women’s mental well-being can be at risk due to a variety of factors, including unequal domestic responsibilities and physiological changes during the postpartum period, perimenopause and menopause. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 The 65-minute show at the Wallis, which moves to South Coast Repertory on Thursday, blends cabaret, memoir and comedy, with songs about motherhood and perimenopause. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Dove notes that perimenopause often brings mood swings and anxiety that elevate cortisol, triggering more apocrine sweating, the kind tied to emotional rather than thermal response. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 Dove explains that one main cause of perimenopause body odor is the natural decline in estrogen, which helps regulate body temperature. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perimenopause

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perimenopause was in 1962

Rhymes for perimenopause

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Browse Nearby Words

perimedullary zone
perimenopause
perimeter
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Cite this Entry

“Perimenopause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perimenopause. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

perimenopause

noun
peri·​men·​o·​pause -ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz, -ˈmēn- How to pronounce perimenopause (audio)
: the period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical signs (as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity)
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