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New research from UVA Health and the Flo women’s health app reveals that more than half of women aged 30 to 35 are already experiencing moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause. However, many women wait decades before seeking treatment, believing they are too young to be affected.
The study highlights the transition period leading to menopause, known as perimenopause, and challenges the common misconception that symptoms only emerge in the 50s. This misunderstanding, researchers say, results in many women suffering in silence without appropriate medical intervention.
“Physical and emotional symptoms associated with perimenopause are understudied and often dismissed by physicians,” said Jennifer Payne, MD, study co-author and expert in reproductive psychiatry at UVA Health. “Understanding how common these symptoms are and their impact is crucial to raising awareness among both physicians and the general public.”
Understanding Perimenopause
The study analyzed self-reported symptoms from over 4,400 American women aged 30 and older via an online survey conducted through the Flo app. Among women aged 30 to 35, 55.4% reported symptoms classified as “moderate” or “severe” based on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). This figure rose to 64.3% for women aged 36 to 40. Despite these high numbers, most women do not seek treatment until age 56 or later.
“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,” said Liudmila Zhaunova, PhD, director of science at Flo. “It’s important that we continue researching this topic to ensure these women receive proper care.”
Psychological vs. Physical Symptoms
The study found that psychological symptoms—such as anxiety, depression, and irritability—appeared much earlier than physical symptoms. These symptoms peaked among women aged 41 to 45 and then declined after age 56. Physical issues such as sexual problems, bladder issues, and vaginal dryness were most prevalent in women 51 and older, while these symptoms were less common in women aged 30 to 35.
Classic menopause symptoms like hot flashes and sweating peaked between ages 51 and 55, with the lowest occurrence in women aged 30 to 35.
Researchers hope their findings will help bridge what they call an “alarming gap” in knowledge about perimenopause, ultimately leading to improved medical care and support for affected women.
“This study is important because it maps out the trajectory of perimenopausal symptoms, helping us understand what symptoms to expect and when,” Payne said.
Findings Published
The research has been published in npj Women’s Health under the title “Perimenopause symptoms, severity, and healthcare seeking in women in the US.” The study authors include Adam C. Cunningham, Yella Hewings-Martin, Aidan P. Wickham, Carley Prentice, Jennifer Payne, and Liudmila Zhaunova.
Disclaimer
This article is based on research findings and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice. Readers experiencing symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Source: University of Virginia Health System
Journal Reference: Cunningham, A. C., et al. (2025). npj Women’s Health. doi.org/10.1038/s44294-025-00061-3.
