In simple words – what is peri and menopause?

The prefix “peri” means – enclosing, near, around. So it obviously reconciles with the definition of the perimenopause – the transitional phase before menopause where the functions of our ovaries are declining along with estrogen hormone levels. So, it is estrogen that is responsible for all these shenanigans. I have to research the bastard to see if it is worth keeping the levels up or is it best to just go with it and accept it’s happening. The reason I question whether it is worth keeping it up, is that this hormone is responsible for the menstrual cycle…. If I keep estrogen levels up, will this not extend the amount of time I will have my periods for? I remember when I had a contraceptive implant in, I had no periods, it was a bliss! Anyway, I will read up, summarise and decide. Please do not judge the stupid questions – I genuinely haven’t done my research so far. Maybe I was in denial, thinking what majority of the population thinks – it happens to everyone, but it won’t happen to me….