Gynaecologist Dr. Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Pulse Superspeciality Clinic, recently clarified that, contrary to popular belief, fertility doesn’t stop overnight. “Irregular periods don’t equal menopause. Fertility does not stop overnight. Pregnancy can still happen during perimenopause. Test first. Assume later,” she noted.

Dr. Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Pulse Superspeciality Clinic, said that irregular cycles alone do not signal menopause.

“Menopause is confirmed only after 12 continuous months without a period. Before that stage, many women enter perimenopause, where hormones change and periods may arrive early, late, lighter, or heavier. Ovulation can still occur during this phase, even if cycles feel unpredictable,” said Dr. Swati Gaikwad.