How long does weight gain last during perimenopause?

The duration of weight gain during perimenopause varies significantly from person to person. Some women experience weight gain for a few months, while for others it can persist throughout the entire perimenopause transition, which typically lasts 4 to 10 years.

Weight gain tends to fluctuate rather than remain constant. You may have weeks or months where it improves, followed by periods where it returns. This pattern reflects the unpredictable nature of hormone fluctuations during perimenopause.

Factors that influence how long weight gain lasts include your genetics, stress levels, sleep quality, diet, exercise habits, and whether you pursue treatment. Many women find that weight gain improves or resolves once they reach menopause (12 consecutive months without a period), though some symptoms can persist into postmenopause.

Tracking weight gain over time helps you see the bigger pattern. What feels endless in the moment often shows improvement trends when you look at monthly or quarterly data.