Perimenopause

In the field of counseling, perimenopause (or the menopausal transition) is defined as the multi-year biological and psychological "bridge" leading up to menopause, beginning with the first onset of menstrual irregularity and ending one year after the final menstrual period. Professional associations like the American Counseling Association (ACA) emphasize that this is not merely a medical event but a significant life transition characterized by erratic hormonal fluctuations that can trigger or exacerbate mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and "brain fog." For counselors, the definition focuses on the psychosociocultural experience of the individual, recognizing that the physical symptoms (like hot flashes and sleep disturbances) often intertwine with shifting social roles, identity changes, and increased vulnerability to emotional distress.