What Causes Irregular Menstrual Periods With Hot Flushes?

I have had my cycle twice this month - at the beginning of the month for 5 days (normal flow and length of time) and this week (currently on day 3). I have experienced missed months and a irregular pattern in cycle days for the last few years. I was told by my doctor that I am not considered menopausal until i miss an entire year. I definitely have hot flashes and, genetically, the women in my family begin menopause in their late 30 s/early 340 s. I will be 41 this week and have been experiencing missed months (sometimes 2-3 months) at a time, intermittently, since 35 years of age. Do you consider this perimenapause?