Perimenopause: Why more women are experiencing perimenopause in their 30s |
Traditionally, perimenopause — the transition leading to menopause — began in the 40s. Today, more women in India are reporting symptoms in their early to mid-30s. Why is this happening?1. Lifestyle stress: Fast-paced urban life, erratic work hours, poor sleep, and sedentary routines are straining women’s hormonal balance. Stress elevates cortisol, which disrupts estrogen and progesterone — triggering perimenopause-like symptoms earlier.2. Environmental toxins:Plastics, pesticides, and pollution contain endocrine disruptors that mimic or block natural hormones. These chemicals are now linked to earlier ovarian aging and irregular periods.3. Rising health conditions:PCOS, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid imbalances are more prevalent in younger Indian women. These conditions accelerate hormonal disturbances and can bring forward perimenopausal symptoms.4. Genetics:Family history matters. Women whose mothers entered menopause early are at higher risk of an earlier transition.5. Medical interventions:Hysterectomies and cancer treatments can induce earlier hormonal decline, which is being seen more commonly in younger women.Why it matters:Perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes — it’s brain fog, anxiety, UTIs, hair fall, bone weakness, and weight gain. Women in their 30s may not connect these dots. In Menoveda’s survey of 20,000 women, 63% did not recognize the stages of menopause at all. This awareness gap worsens the struggle.What can women do?
- Build healthy lifestyle foundations early.
- Prioritize stress management, sleep, and exercise.
- Avoid excessive plastics and processed foods.
- Regularly track cycles and consult doctors if symptoms persist.
Early perimenopause is a wake-up call for India’s healthcare system. Women must be informed and supported — because recognizing the signs in the 30s can change the trajectory of long-term health.(Tamanna Singh, Menopasue coach, Co-founder Menoveda)
