Survey reveals women may be experiencing perimenopause in their 40s

Six in 10 women believe they will hit menopause in their 40s, according to survey results released April 8 by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.

The survey (web and telephone) was conducted in two waves from Feb. 7 to 10, 2025, and Feb. 21 to 24, 2025, with responses from a combined total of 1,068 female respondents.

According to the results of the survey, 61% believe they will hit menopause in their 40s. Half of the women surveyed (52%) believed diet and exercise can help treat menopause symptoms. One in three women were concerned about the long-term health effects of menopause. Other concerns included physical symptoms (25%) and mental health (18%). Younger women were more likely to have a top concern of mental health related to menopause compared with older women (25% of those aged 18 to 29 years versus 10% of those aged 65 years and older).

“Perimenopause is when the menstrual cycle has started to change, and it is persistent. The formal definition is periods fluctuate by at least seven days for at least 10 months,” Lauren Baker, D.O., of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said in a statement. “Problems in the workplace, adverse effects on one’s quality of life, and adverse health events all have been associated with menopause, too. There are effective treatments and ways to feel better to not only survive but thrive.”

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