Answer
"Perimenopause" is a term given to the period of a woman's life during which there is a noticable decline, but not yet complete cessation of ovarian hormonal production. Increasing irregularity of menstrual function, skipping cycles, intermittent hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms are all indications of waning ovarian hormone production.
Complete cessation of menstrual function often with a noticable increase in hypoestrogenic symptoms (night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, etc.) are generally the heralding events of true menopause. A blood test from your doctor (FSH level) is usually done to confirm this finding. Once true menopause is diagnosed, your doctor then can provide important information about the treatment options available.
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