A landmark study on menopausal transitions suggests the current staging criteria may be outdated and require new definitions, particularly in relation to perimenopause. 

Led by Monash University’s Professor Susan Davis, the authors have found the onset of perimenopause might be earlier than traditionally accepted, and is marked by significant vasomotor symptoms.

Hot flushes and night sweats, as well as vaginal dryness may be the clearest indicators of the onset of perimenopause, independent of changes to the menstrual cycle, according to the authors.

“These findings suggest that classic VMS should be considered as a diagnostic criterion for perimenopause or postmenopause when menopause can’t be distinguished by the bleeding pattern,” Professor Davis said in a statement.