The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client during an annual physical examination. When evaluating the client for menopausal symptoms, which finding indicates the client is perimenopausal?

A. Drenching night sweats. Night sweats are a common symptom of perimenopause due to fluctuating estrogen levels affecting temperature regulation. Hot flashes and night sweats often begin in perimenopause, even before menstruation fully stops. B. Increase in sexual desire. Perimenopause is more commonly associated with a decrease in sexual desire due to hormonal changes, vaginal dryness, and mood fluctuations. While libido changes vary among individuals, an increase in sexual desire is not a typical perimenopausal symptom. C. Cessation of menstruation. Menopause is confirmed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Perimenopause refers to the transition phase leading up to menopause, during which irregular periods and other symptoms occur. D. Excessive vaginal moisture. Perimenopause is often associated with vaginal dryness due to declining estrogen levels. Excessive vaginal moisture is not a common symptom and may suggest another condition such as infection or increased cervical mucus production.