Perimenopause is the natural transition leading into menopause, marked by erratic fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. These unpredictable shifts can trigger emotional, cognitive, and physical changes – often years before menopause officially begins. We spoke with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, a licensed clinical psychologist, about the whole-body experience of perimenopause, including mood and memory changes, the structural and social factors that place some groups at higher risk, available hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle strategies that may help, and when – and how – to ask for support. Your symptoms matter, and you deserve informed, compassionate care.

<p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide-chapter-perimenopause-overview" data-testid="linkable-text">Perimenopause</a> is the natural transition leading into menopause, marked by erratic fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. These unpredictable shifts can trigger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/menopause/emotional-roller-coaster" data-testid="linkable-text">emotional</a>, cognitive, and physical changes &ndash; often years before menopause officially begins. We spoke with <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/megan-spence-alameda-ca/869278" data-testid="linkable-text">Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C</a>, a licensed clinical psychologist, about the whole-body experience of perimenopause, including mood and memory changes, the structural and social factors that place some groups at higher risk, available hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle strategies that may help, and when &ndash; and how &ndash; to ask for support. Your symptoms matter, and you deserve informed, compassionate care.</p>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.