“You’re Too Young for Perimenopause” — Think Again

By: Dr. Karlee Tario ND

One of the most common myths we hear is,

"You're too young to be feeling this way—it's not menopause yet."
But the truth?
Hormonal changes can start much earlier than most people realize—and ignoring them delays the support women deserve.

Let’s set the record straight.

When Does Perimenopause Actually Start?

According to The Menopause Society (formerly known as The North American Menopause Society), perimenopause—the time of hormonal transition before menopause—typically begins between ages 40 and 44.
But it can start even earlier, sometimes in the mid-30s, depending on the woman.

This stage can last 4 to 8 years (or longer) before the final menstrual period.
The body isn’t simply "aging"—it's navigating a major, biologically programmed shift in reproductive hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone.

What is STRAW+10?

The gold standard for describing this transition is called STRAW+10—a staging system developed by international menopause experts.
It breaks a woman’s reproductive life into clear phases based on menstrual patterns and hormonal changes:

• Reproductive Stage (Regular cycles)

• Early Perimenopause (Cycles still regular but subtle changes begin)

• Late Perimenopause (Cycles become irregular, longer gaps between periods)

• Postmenopause (No period for 12 months)

This system helps doctors—and women—recognize that symptoms can start well before periods stop completely.

Early perimenopause can include subtle but important shifts:
• Shorter or fluctuating menstrual cycles
• Heavier or lighter periods
• Increased PMS
• New-onset anxiety, sleep issues, or mood swings
• Hot flashes, night sweats, or brain fog that seem "out of nowhere"

You don't have to wait for your periods to disappear to recognize that your body is asking for support.

Why This Myth Hurts Women

When we tell women they're "too young" to be in perimenopause, we delay diagnosis, minimize their symptoms, and rob them of the chance to get proactive care.
Hormone testing, symptom tracking, lifestyle support, and education during early perimenopause can change the trajectory of a woman's health for decades to come.

Early recognition = better outcomes.

You’re not “too young.” You’re not imagining things.

If you’re noticing changes in your cycle, mood, sleep, energy, or body in your late 30s or early 40s—it could absolutely be the beginning of perimenopause.

And getting informed now?
It’s one of the most powerful moves you can make for your long-term health.