Top 5 Things Young Women Need to Know About Menopause
If you’re in your 30s, menopause might seem like something far off in the future. But here’s the truth: preparing now can make all the difference later. For some women, menopause can begin earlier than expected (like me), and understanding this transition - whether it’s for yourself, a friend, or a family member—can help you navigate it with confidence.
Nearly half of women feel uninformed about menopause, and a staggering 95% of us were never taught about it in school. This blog post aims to change that. Here’s what every woman in her 30s should know about menopause and how to prepare for this significant life stage.
1. Menopause Isn’t Just for Your 50s
While menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55, it can start earlier for some women. In rare cases, it may even begin in your late 30s. This is known as premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Even if menopause is years away for you, it’s important to know that your reproductive hormones are already shifting in subtle ways during your 30s. This is perimenopause and it can last for 1-12 years! These hormonal shifts can impact your menstrual cycle, mood, energy levels, and overall health.
Why It Matters:
Understanding your body now can help you recognise early signs of perimenopause or hormonal imbalances, allowing you to take proactive steps to support your health.
2. What Is Perimenopause, and Why Should You Care?
Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels begin to fluctuate. While most women enter perimenopause in their 40s, some may experience it earlier. There are over 30 symptoms attributed to perimenopause!
What to Watch For in Your 30s:
Irregular periods
Mood swings or heightened emotional sensitivity
Fatigue or changes in energy levels
Hot flushes or night sweats
Joint/Body Aches
Bloating and changes to gut health
Even if you’re not experiencing these symptoms now, understanding perimenopause equips you to make informed decisions when the time comes.
3. Hormonal Health in Your 30s Sets the Stage for Menopause
Your 30s are a crucial time to prioritise hormonal health. The choices you make now - diet, exercise, stress management—can impact how smoothly you transition through perimenopause and menopause later.
Steps to Support Hormonal Health:
Nutrition: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts.
Movement: Regular weight-bearing exercise helps balance hormones, reduce stress, and support bone health.
Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to regulate cortisol and other key hormones.
Taking care of your hormones now isn’t just about menopause - it’s about feeling your best at every stage of life. If you can master sleep now, your future self will thank you!
4. Fertility and Menopause Are Linked
Your 30s are often a time when many women think about family planning. Understanding your fertility and how it relates to menopause can help you make empowered decisions.
What to Know:
Egg quality and quantity begin to decline in your 30s, a natural part of the aging process.
If you’re considering having children later in life, speak with your healthcare provider about fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing.
Hormonal changes in your late 30s may also impact your cycle, making it harder to predict ovulation.
By understanding the connection between fertility and menopause, you can plan for the future with confidence.
5. Self-Care Now = A Smoother Transition Later
Investing in self-care during your 30s isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for long-term health and well-being.
Here’s How to Get Started:
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who understand and support your health goals.
Track Your Symptoms: Use an app or journal to monitor changes in your cycle, mood, and energy levels.
Seek Expert Guidance: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear - work with a healthcare professional who knows about female hormones to optimise your health now.
The habits you build in your 30s lay the foundation for a healthier, more balanced transition into your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Menopause may seem like a distant concern, but the truth is, the earlier you prepare, the smoother the journey will be. By understanding your body, prioritising hormonal health, and building self-care habits now, you’re setting yourself up for long-term well-being.
Are you curious about how to optimise your hormonal health? Book a consultation with me today or follow me on social media for tips, tools, and guidance.