A groundbreaking new study published in NJP Women’s Health just rocked the menopause world. And trust me, that’s no small feat. Researchers analyzed symptoms reported by more than 4,400 women aged 30 and up using the Flo app—you know, the one that helps track ovulation and menstrual cycles. What did they find? Brace yourself: 55.4% of women aged 30 to 35 reported moderate to severe menopause symptoms on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Yep, you read that right. Women in their 30’s.
Then things really heated up. That number jumped to 64.3% for women aged 36 to 40. But here’s the kicker: Most women don’t talk to a menopause specialist about these symptoms until they’re 56 or older! That’s a two-decade gap of suffering in silence. Ladies, we need to talk!
Their research also showed that over 90% of women have never received education about menopause in school, and more than 60% feel uninformed about what to expect. This gap extends to medical training, with only 20% of OB/GYN residents reporting that their programs include a formal menopause curriculum (OMFG)!
The Myth of the “Right Age” for Menopause Symptoms
Raise your hand if you thought menopause was something you didn’t have to think about until your late 40s or early 50s. (Spoiler: Most of us did.)
The reality? Perimenopause (the transition leading up to menopause) can start a whole lot earlier than most of us expect. While the average age of menopause (defined as 12 consecutive months without a period) in the U.S. is 51, perimenopause symptoms can start creeping in 10 to 15 years before that.
Yes, that means you can experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, and even cycle irregularities in your 30s and early 40s. But because society has drummed it into our heads that menopause is a “midlife” thing, most women don’t even realize what’s happening. Instead, they chalk up their symptoms to stress, lack of sleep, or “just getting older.”
Why Are So Many Women Experiencing Menopause Symptoms Earlier?
This study raises an important question: Why are women in their 30s experiencing moderate to severe menopause symptoms?
While researchers are still exploring the answer, here are some potential culprits:
- Stress Overload: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on hormones, potentially accelerating the decline of estrogen and progesterone.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to endocrine disruptors (found in plastics, pesticides, and some beauty products) can mess with hormone balance.
- Genetics: If your mom or grandma went through menopause early, you might too.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Some autoimmune conditions can trigger early ovarian decline.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and poor diet can contribute to hormonal imbalances.
The Real Problem: The Silence Surrounding Menopause Symptoms
Here’s where I get fired up. The biggest issue this study highlights isn’t just that women are experiencing symptoms earlier. It’s that most women aren’t talking to their doctors about it.
Think about that: You could be suffering from hot flashes, crushing fatigue, and night sweats for 20 years before anyone even mentions menopause as a possibility. By the time women finally do bring it up, they’re well past the point of mild symptoms and deep into “I-can’t-function-like-this” territory.
This is why menopause education matters. It’s why I shout from the rooftops (and my website, books, and videos): Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!
How to Advocate for Yourself (No Matter Your Age)
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to start the conversation with a menopause specialist. Not sure where to begin? Here’s your game plan:
1. Track Your Symptoms
Use a symptom tracker (like the one on my website!) to document what you’re experiencing. Hot flashes, anxiety, irregular periods? Write it all down. The more data you have, the easier it is to advocate for yourself.
2. Find a Menopause Specialist
Not all doctors are trained in menopause care. (Yes, it’s maddening.) If your doctor dismisses your concerns, find a specialist who won’t. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has a directory of certified practitioners who know their stuff.
3. Get Your Hormones Checked
A simple blood test can check estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other key hormones. Just be aware: “Normal” doesn’t always mean “optimal.” A good specialist will look at your symptoms, not just the numbers on a chart.
4. Explore Treatment Options
If perimenopause is knocking on your door, there are solutions. Hormone therapy (HT) is safe and effective for most women and can dramatically improve quality of life. There are also lifestyle tweaks (diet, exercise, stress management) that can help balance hormones naturally.
5. Talk About It!
Share your story. Educate your friends. Demand better menopause education from your doctors, workplaces, and communities. The more we normalize the conversation, the faster we shatter the stigma.
The Fastest Way to Master Menopause? My Crash Course!
Listen up, ladies! If you are experiencing menopause in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, it isn’t some mystery you have to suffer through. It’s time to GET THE FACTS—fast, simple, and easy to understand.
This isn’t a dry, boring lecture filled with medical jargon. It’s a crash course—just 5-20 minute modules—designed so you (and your bestie, daughter, granddaughter, or co-worker) can finally understand what the hell is happening to your body and how to manage it like a pro.
Easy to follow.
Zero fluff.
Real solutions.
No confusing charts. Just the knowledge you need to take control of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—so you don’t have to waste years figuring it out.
Fucking get the course!
My motto: Suffering in silence is OUT. Reaching out (and getting the right info) is IN.
The Bottom Line
Menopause symptoms aren’t just for women in their 50s. This new research proves that many women in their 30s and early 40s are already experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. The problem isn’t just the symptoms themselves—women aren’t getting the information or support they need.
So let’s change that. If you’re struggling, speak up. If you know someone who is, share this blog. And if your doctor dismisses your concerns – dismiss them! Find one who won’t.
Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause should be understood, managed, and talked about—loudly!
Stay fearless, fabulous, and informed!
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*EllenDolgen.com does not recommend, endorse, or make any representation about any tests, studies, practices, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, healthcare providers, physicians, or medical institutions that may be mentioned or referenced. The information, including opinions and recommendations, contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Such information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other healthcare provider.
