premenopause

noun

variants or less commonly pre-menopause
: the period of a woman's life that precedes menopause
When does menopause start? Basically, there are four intervals of importance: (1) premenopause consists of the reproductive years, from the first menstrual period to menopause …Michelle P. Warren
compare perimenopause

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of premenopause was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Premenopause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premenopause. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

premenopause

noun
pre·​meno·​pause
-ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz, -ˈmēn-
variants also pre-menopause
: the entire period of a woman's life that precedes menopause
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