Half of all women experience menopausal symptoms by the age of 35

Dear MHI reader,

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too early to be experiencing menopausal symptoms in your 30s, you’re not alone. 

Many women begin noticing subtle changes—physically and emotionally—well before they expect them. It’s not uncommon. New research shows that nearly half of all women may experience moderate to severe menopausal symptoms as early as 35. The problem? 

Most of us ignore or reject them because of our age.

The Research Breakdown: What We Now Know

A large study from the University of Virginia School of Medicine revealed that 55.4% of women aged 30–35 already experience moderate to severe symptoms tied to menopause. Among women aged 36–40, that number rises to 64.3%.

Despite this, the majority don’t seek help until their mid-50s, losing valuable years of comfort and support. Doctors, too, often overlook these symptoms in younger women, mistaking them for stress, mood disorders, or general fatigue.

Recognising the Signs Early

Menopausal symptoms are more than just hot flushes. Here are a few early signs to watch out for in your 30s:

• Mood shifts – Anxiety, depression, or irritability that feels unprovoked or prolonged

• Cognitive fog – Forgetfulness, poor concentration, or mental fatigue

• Physical changes – Irregular cycles, vaginal dryness, lower libido, or night sweats.

These signs often show up before the well-known symptoms like hot flushes or joint aches, so if something feels “off,” it may be time to check in with your hormones.

Check In With Yourself – The Menopause Rating Scale

If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is connected to hormonal changes, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) can help.

This easy self-check tool includes 11 symptoms, from sleep disruption and heart palpitations to bladder issues and joint pain. Each one is rated from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (very severe). The total score indicates how much menopause may be impacting your quality of life.

What’s on the scale?

• Hot flushes, sweating (rising heat, sweating)
• Heart problems (palpitations, rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, tightness in the chest)
• Sleep disorders (difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up too early)
• Depressive mood (despondency, sadness, tearfulness, listlessness, mood swings)
• Irritability (nervousness, inner tension, aggressiveness)
• Anxiety (inner restlessness, panic)
• Physical and mental exhaustion (general reduction in performance, memory loss, poor concentration, forgetfulness)
• Sexual problems (changes in sexual desire, sexual activity and satisfaction)
• Urinary tract problems (difficulty urinating, frequent urge to urinate, involuntary urination)
• Vaginal dryness (feeling of dryness or burning in the vagina, discomfort during sexual intercourse)
• Joint and muscle problems (pain in the joints, rheumatism-like symptoms)

Start Early and Stay Consistent

You’re not imagining it—and you’re not too young. The earlier you recognise menopause, the sooner you can get the support you need. Stay informed, stay empowered.

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