The big ‘M’…
Menopause: It’s one of those things every female knows will eventually arrive, but doesn’t want to think about too much — like getting a smear or the end of the tax year.
Hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, a non-existent libido, and other not-so-great symptoms often arrive along with the dreaded “change” so it stands to reason why most women don’t want to think about it.
For generations, menopause was considered a stage of life women encountered in their late forties to fifties and that edgy, angry, upbeat reality of life as a woman in your 40s and 50s and going through the menopause has long been hidden.
Now a new wave of women are coming through to open about their trials and tribulations but they’re not 40 or 50. They’re all in their 30’s…
Growing evidence shows more women in their thirties are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms far earlier than expected. This phenomenon is challenging long-standing assumptions about when reproductive ageing begins and highlighting the need for accurate awareness and resources.
So, what is perimenopause?
Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, where hormone levels—primarily oestrogen and progesterone—fluctuate unpredictably.
Perimenopause is defined by the NHS as women have menopause symptoms but are still having periods.
Traditionally, the perimenopausal phase begins for women in their mid-to-late forties. However, recent studies suggest that some women enter this stage as early as their early thirties.
The health service says both menopause and perimenopause symptoms, which include mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes can be incredibly disruptive to a woman’s life, potentially affecting her relationships and work.
Menopause is a normal part of ageing and is marked by levels of the sex hormone oestrogen dropping.
It typically starts between the age of 45 and 55 for most women.
According to findings published in the journal Women’s Health, more than half of women aged 30–35 reported moderate to severe symptoms commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause.
A similar survey by Flo Health showed 64% of women aged 36–40 had symptoms severe enough to impact their quality of life.
In fact, over 90% of women have never received education about menopause in school, and more than 60% feel uninformed about what to expect.
Liudmila Zhaunova, director of science at Flo, added that the findings warranted further research to help these young women get the treatment they needed.
‘We had a significant number of women who are typically thought to be too young for perimenopause tell us that they have high levels of perimenopause-related symptoms,’ she said.
But, what’s causing this?
Lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise are increasingly being implicated. Environmental factors, such as exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are also thought to play a role in disturbing hormone levels.
Smoking has been linked to accelerating menopause, with research revealing that women who smoke are twice as likely to experience symptoms before the age of 45.
Finally, genetic predispositions and certain medical treatments—like chemotherapy or surgery affecting reproductive organs—may also lead to early onset.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
The symptoms of perimenopause can be extensive and vary greatly from one individual to another.
- Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating or remembering tasks, which can be distressing for women juggling busy professional and personal lives.
- Mood swings: Changes in mood, which may occur unpredictably, often stemming from fluctuating oestrogen levels.
- Anxiety or irritability: Even women without a history of anxiety report feeling more tense or on edge.
- Irregular periods: Changes in the frequency, duration, or heaviness of menstrual cycles.
- Hot flushes: Often described as sudden waves of heat, these symptoms are more common in later perimenopause but can arise early.
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Hormonal changes can affect the tissues, making intercourse painful.
- Sleep disruptions: Insomnia, night sweats, or trouble maintaining restful sleep.
What’s concerning is that over 90% of women struggling with these symptoms have not consulted a healthcare professional, often dismissing them as unrelated issues. This highlights the need to break down stigma and open conversations about women’s health, even at younger ages.
So, what options are available to women?
Knowledge is power, and understanding these symptoms can help empower women to advocate for their health.
Dr Farzana Khan, of RegenLab, “said: “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical procedure that taps into the remarkable regenerative abilities of our own body. PRP therapy can also help relieve menopausal syndromes, delay menopause, and even restore ovulation.”
“In addition to this it’s important to seek support early and talk to your GP if you are worried, maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay educated and keep learning about your body and always talk about how you’re feeling to break the stigma.”
While the early onset of perimenopause may sound daunting, greater awareness and improved understanding within the healthcare community are paving the way for better support.
Younger women need access to accurate information, proactive healthcare, and empathetic conversations to manage this life stage effectively.
Perimenopause is not “the end”—it’s a transition.
By advocating for education, support, and tailored solutions, women can move through this stage empowered, prepared, and thriving in their thirties and beyond.
Do you have a story on early menopause or perimenopause? Email Holly@harleystreetcommunications.co.uk
