Why Are So Many Women Experiencing Menopause Symptoms In Their 30s?

If you’re in your thirties and noticing changes in your mood, sleep, cycles, or energy, you’re not imagining it. A new study suggests that over half of women in their early to mid-30s are already experiencing perimenopause symptoms – and some are pretty intense.

I know, right? Infuriating how this was kept on the down-low. Turns out more than 55% of women aged 30-35 reported moderate to severe menopause-related symptoms. That jumped to over 64% in women aged 36-40.

Have we never asked these questions before? How come it was an unknown, unstudied area until now...

For decades, menopause was framed as something that happens when you’re “older” – like a final destination at 50+. But perimenopause, the hormonal transition leading up to menopause, can begin as early as your mid-30s.

And for some, these hormonal shifts come with:

• Brain fog or sudden memory slips

• Mood swings, anxiety, irritability

• Sleep issues

• Changes in libido or vaginal dryness

• Palpitations or feeling on edge for no reason

There are so many ways perimenopause can show up – more than most of us were ever told. In Perimenopause, Demystified, I’ve listed over 80 possible symptoms (yes, eighty) along with simple, practical ways to support yourself through them. You can check them out here.

You're not failing at life

Beside the obvious problem of these topics not being widely discussed, this study found that most women don’t speak to a doctor about their symptoms until they’re in their mid-50s. So they spend years thinking they’re just failing at life.

Most of my clients come to see me from this age bracket. They are the reason I got myself a qualification in Menopause support, because the symptoms looked all too familiar, mirroring each other's stories.

In each case, working through their blocks required a lifestyle shift. They already knew that, of course, they were ready for the holistic approach. They knew their true identity – the one beneath expectations and cultural conditioning – wanted a healthier, calmer, more honest way of living. So the transition wasn’t forced. It felt natural.

But for how many is the perimenopausal transition feel like Dante's hell? Navigating the hormonal chaos with a nervous system that's still carrying decades of tension without even realising it?

Is there a silver lining?

Well, if you count your hair turning greyer as silver, then sure. But jokes aside, there is hope. There are things you can do to support yourself through this.

Nutritionists can advise on herbs and nutrients that help your body metabolise stress better. Healthier sleep routines and gentle movements before bed can release pent-up tension. And getting up-to-date, honest information on what to expect – and how to not lose your mind in the process – can be an absolute lifesaver.

You might start with my 30-page guidebook, which looks at perimenopause holistically  (it includes a free meditation and symptom tracker). Or you could dive into podcasts that focus on hormonal health and menopause.

Perimenopause can feel overwhelming, yes, but it doesn’t have to be something you endure in silence.