New Survey Indicates Women May Encounter Perimenopause in Their 40s

Recent findings from a survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have revealed that a significant number of women anticipate entering menopause during their 40s. The study, which included responses from over 1,000 women, found that 61% of participants believe they will experience menopause in this decade of their lives.

The survey was executed in two phases, collecting responses via web and telephone between February 7 and February 24, 2025. Among the women surveyed, more than half (52%) expressed the belief that lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise could alleviate menopause symptoms. Additionally, one-third of the respondents voiced concerns about the potential long-term health implications associated with menopause, while 25% highlighted physical symptoms and 18% raised concerns related to mental health.

Younger women, specifically those aged 18 to 29, were more inclined to cite mental health issues as a primary concern compared to their older counterparts, with 25% of younger respondents indicating this worry against only 10% among those aged 65 and older.

According to medical experts, perimenopause is characterized by significant changes in the menstrual cycle and is formally defined by fluctuations in cycle length of at least seven days over a span of 10 months. These changes can lead to various challenges, impacting work performance, quality of life, and overall health.

Healthcare professionals stress that there are effective treatments available that can assist women in managing symptoms and improving their well-being during this transitional phase. The findings from this survey underscore the importance of open discussions regarding menopause and its implications for women's health.