In this article
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when the ovaries gradually make less estrogen and progesterone (NICHD). It may last 4 to 8 years (The Menopause Society). Menopause is reached after 12 months in a row without a period, at an average age of 51 (NICHD).
Several kinds of clinicians provide care during this stage of life. This guide gives a general overview of those clinician types and the training behind each, based on public health sources. It's general information, not a recommendation for any individual.
If you'd like help with your own questions, you can book an intro call with a clinician licensed in your state.
Perimenopause at a glance
Perimenopause usually begins with changes in the length of time between periods (The Menopause Society). Hot flashes are the most commonly reported menopause-related symptom (The Menopause Society). MedlinePlus also lists night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes and vaginal dryness among common symptoms of the menopause transition (MedlinePlus).
The timing and experience of perimenopause vary widely from person to person.
Key terms
A few terms come up often when reading about this stage of life:
- Perimenopause (menopausal transition): the time leading up to menopause (NICHD).
- Menopause: the point at which a person has not had a period for 12 months in a row (NICHD).
- Postmenopause: the time after menopause, which lasts for the rest of a person's life (NICHD).
- Primary care provider (PCP): a person someone may consult or see first for checkups and health problems (MedlinePlus).
- MD and DO: a medical doctor (MD) and a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). Both can practice as generalists in fields such as internal medicine and family practice (MedlinePlus).
Common types of clinicians
The table below describes several types of clinicians in general terms, using MedlinePlus definitions (MedlinePlus).
| Clinician type | Training | General scope |
|---|---|---|
| Family medicine physician (MD or DO) | A generalist physician trained in family practice | Primary care |
| Internal medicine physician (MD or DO) | A generalist physician trained in internal medicine | Primary care for adults |
| Obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) | A physician who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology | Women's health care, wellness and prenatal care |
| Nurse practitioner (NP) | A nurse with graduate training | Can serve as a primary care provider in areas such as family medicine or adult care, and can prescribe medicines |
| Physician assistant (PA) | Works in collaboration with an MD or DO | Provides a wide range of services and can serve as a primary care provider |
| Endocrinologist | A physician who specializes in endocrinology | Hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes |
The table describes general scope only. Training, experience and areas of focus vary from one clinician to another within each group.
Primary care and specialist care
MedlinePlus describes a primary care provider as someone who can help manage a person's overall health. When needed, a primary care provider may refer a person to clinicians in various specialties (MedlinePlus).
Family medicine physicians, internal medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can all serve as primary care providers. OB-GYNs and endocrinologists are specialists, focused on women's health care and on hormonal and metabolic disorders, respectively (MedlinePlus).
When to see a clinician
Questions about perimenopause, or about any change in health, are best discussed with a licensed clinician who knows a person's history. In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. Menopause is the point when a person has gone 12 months in a row without a period (NICHD).
How long does perimenopause last? It may last 4 to 8 years, and the length varies from person to person (The Menopause Society).
What is postmenopause? Postmenopause is the time after menopause. It lasts for the rest of a person's life (NICHD).
What is a nurse practitioner? A nurse practitioner is a nurse with graduate training. Nurse practitioners can serve as primary care providers in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, adult care or geriatrics, and can prescribe medicines (MedlinePlus).
What does an OB-GYN do? Obstetrician-gynecologists are doctors who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, including women's health care, wellness and prenatal care (MedlinePlus).
If you'd like help with your own questions, you can book an intro call with a clinician licensed in your state.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Menopause: condition information.
- The Menopause Society. Menopause 101: A primer for the perimenopausal.
- MedlinePlus. Menopause.
- MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers.
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified clinician who knows your history. Don't start, stop or change any treatment based on this article. If you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Reading this article does not create a clinician-patient relationship with Tenor Health or any provider on our platform.
We write plain-language guides to help people understand their health, their lab results and their care options. Every article cites its sources, and we update articles when the research changes.
Read our editorial policy →