How Long Does Perimenopause Last? (And What You Can Do About It)

Let’s start with the obvious: no one got the memo for this. Perimenopause shows up uninvited, overstays its welcome, and somehow manages to be confusing and invisible at the same time. So if you're wondering, "How long is this hormonal rollercoaster going to last?" (or, like us: WHEN WILL THIS END???!!!)— you're not alone.

So… how long does perimenopause last?

On average, perimenopause lasts 4 to 8 years, but (of course) it varies wildly from woman to woman (SO annoying). Some women breeze through in a couple of years. Others find themselves mid-hot-flush a decade later wondering if it ever ends.

The official medical definition says perimenopause starts when your hormones begin fluctuating (usually in your 40s) and ends 12 months after your last period — which is when you’re considered postmenopausal.

But here's the kicker: those hormone shifts can start while you're still having regular periods.

Common signs you’re in perimenopause (even if your cycle is still on)

• Night sweats or broken sleep for no clear reason

• Mood swings that make you wonder what’s going on

• A period that used to be like clockwork suddenly going rogue

• Fatigue that hits like a truck (even when you’re doing “everything right”)

• Anxiety or brain fog that’s new for you

• Bloating or fluid retention out of nowhere.

Even one or two of these could mean you’re in early perimenopause — and it can last for years before your periods actually stop.

Can you shorten perimenopause?

Short answer: not really.

Long answer: while you can’t speed it up, you can support your body through it so it feels less like a hormonal ambush. Think of it less like “ending perimenopause” and more like smoothing the ride.

What can help?

Sleep, stress, and nutrition are big ones — but small, daily rituals can make a surprising difference.

That’s why we created our SheBANG! Peri Chai Latte, Peri Salted Caramel Latte and Peri Hot Choccy (our vegan-friendly superlatte) blends — to help manage the hormonal roller coaster with magnesium, collagen and hops. They're not magic (we wish), but they are functional drinks designed to help manage some of the most frustrating symptoms — like sleep disruption, mood swings, bloating and fatigue.

The bottom line?

Perimenopause doesn’t follow rules — but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. The more you understand what’s going on, the more you can support your body (and your sanity).

You deserve to feel the whole SheBANG! again — no matter how long this hormonal chapter decides to stick around.