Study Finds Many Young Women Experience Untreated Perimenopause Symptoms

Study Finds Many Young Women Experience Untreated Perimenopause Symptoms

A recent study has revealed that many women aged 30 to 35 may be experiencing perimenopausal symptoms that go untreated. Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, during which hormonal fluctuations—particularly a drop in estrogen—can cause various symptoms, often similar to those experienced during menopause.

According to a study published on February 25 in npj Women’s Health, over half of women in the 30 to 35 age range report moderate to severe perimenopausal symptoms. Surprisingly, the majority of these women do not seek treatment, possibly due to the cultural stigma surrounding menopause and perimenopause, as well as the common misconception that these issues only affect older women.

The study found that perimenopausal symptoms are frequently overlooked or dismissed because both women and healthcare providers often assume that women in their early 30s are too young to experience these changes. As a result, symptoms go untreated, leading to unnecessary difficulties for many.

The research, which analyzed self-reported data from 4,432 women aged 30 and older via an online survey and the Flo app, found that 55.4% of women aged 30 to 35 reported moderate to severe symptoms. For women aged 36 to 40, this figure rose to 64.3%. However, only a small percentage of women in the 30 to 35 age group—just 4.3%—sought medical help, compared to 51.5% of women aged 56 and older.

Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability were most commonly reported in the younger age group, often before physical symptoms like vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, or sexual dysfunction became noticeable. The study notes that symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which are often associated with menopause, tend to peak in women over 50, with fewer women in the 30 to 35 range reporting these issues.

Naheed Rana, MD, a gynecologist, explained that while the average age of perimenopause is around 45, many women experience symptoms as early as their 30s. She emphasized that perimenopause can develop gradually, leading women to mistake symptoms for stress or normal aging. Common symptoms include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, brain fog, anxiety, and vaginal dryness.

For those seeking relief, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one option. HRT works by replacing estrogen and progesterone, hormones that decline during perimenopause and menopause. Betsy Greenleaf, MD, a hormone therapy expert, explained that HRT can be beneficial, but it must be properly managed to avoid incorrect dosages or side effects.

In addition to HRT, lifestyle changes—such as improving sleep, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation—can help alleviate symptoms. Women may also find relief from vaginal estrogen, lubricants, pelvic floor exercises, and other non-hormonal treatments.

The takeaway from this study is clear: many women aged 30 to 35 may be struggling with perimenopausal symptoms without seeking treatment, often due to misconceptions about menopause and its timing. Women experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to consult with a healthcare provider to explore treatment options and improve their quality of life.