Perimenopause: at what age does it start?

"I'm too young for that." This is the phrase that Flamme Servera has heard most often from her friends... but also in the stories of women who were told the exact same thing by their gynecologists. Flamme, founder of Ginama and partner in our "Génération Péri" series, discovered the word "perimenopause" at 29 during a conference on women's health. What shocked her was learning that you could have symptoms as early as 35without even knowing what they were.

So, at what age does perimenopause really begin? And why does it vary so much from one woman to another?

The age of perimenopause, in summary

• Average age of menopause in France: 51, according to data reported by the MGEN.
• Start of perimenopause : most often between 40 and 45 years old.
• First possible signs : as early as 35 for some women.
• "Normal" menopause : generally between 45 and 55 years old.
• Before age 40 : this is referred to as early menopause, which should be investigated by a doctor.

These figures are averages. Your own age depends on many factors.

Reminder: perimenopause, menopause, what's the difference?

Menopause is a specific point in time: it is confirmed when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause is the transition period that precedes it, during which the ovaries produce hormones irregularly.

Flamme describes it as "a hormonal transition" where estrogen and progesterone "start to drop like a rollercoaster." It lasts on average 2 to 4 years, sometimes longer. To understand everything, read our guide on perimenopause.

Why the age varies so much from one woman to another

Several factors can influence when perimenopause begins.

Family history

This is one of the most useful indicators. If your mother or sister went through menopause early, there is a higher chance that you will too. Asking your mother at what age she reached menopause is a good idea… even if, like Flamme's mother, she might reply, "Perimenopause, what are you talking about?"

Smoking

Smoking is associated with an earlier menopause, by one to two years on average according to studies. This is one more reason to get support to quit.

Treatments and surgeries

Certain types of chemotherapy, pelvic radiation therapy, or ovarian surgery can bring on menopause earlier, or even trigger it abruptly.

Certain medical conditions

Autoimmune diseases, genetic abnormalities, or thyroid disorders can play a role. This is one of the reasons why very early symptoms warrant medical advice.

What about the rest?

The age of your first period, the number of pregnancies, or taking the pill are often mentioned, but their influence is less clear. Above all, remember that the age of perimenopause is neither a choice nor a fault : it is your hormonal story.

Signs that it's starting

The first symptoms are often subtle, which is what makes them misleading. According to Flamme, the ones that usually appear first are:

• anxiety, sometimes for no apparent reason;
• sleep disturbances, whether falling asleep or staying asleep;
• fatigue;
• changes in your period : closer together, more irregular, or heavier.

Next, for some women, come hot flashes, vaginal dryness, a drop in libido, or recurring cystitis. We detail them all in our article on the 35 symptoms of perimenopause.

The trap is that these symptoms often arrive at a very busy time in life. "You don't immediately attribute it to hormonal changes; you're more likely to tell yourself it's stress," summarizes Flamme.

"You're too young": what to do if you aren't being heard?

This is an experience many women report. Yet, perimenopause symptoms at 38 or 40 are not at all unusual. A few tips to be better heard:

• Come with notes : dates of your periods, symptoms, and their intensity over two or three months.
• Ask the question directly : "Could these symptoms be related to perimenopause?"
• Ask what can be checked : a check-up can help rule out other causes, such as a thyroid issue.
• Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Gynecologists, general practitioners, and midwives: several professionals can support you. At Reflet, we often repeat this: if you haven't found the right professional yet, keep looking. Long-term support is worth it.

You can also prepare for your appointment with a few specific questions: what tests would be useful in my situation? What solutions exist for the symptom that bothers me the most? Do I still need contraception? When should we check in again? Leaving with clear answers makes the process feel much less overwhelming.

Good to know: because hormones fluctuate significantly, a blood test at a given moment might look normal even though you are in transition. Diagnosis is based primarily on your age, your cycles, and your symptoms.

Perimenopause and wanting a child: what you need to know

According to Flamme, this is the biggest taboo: the idea that perimenopause means you're "past your prime," and therefore that the possibility of having a child is over. On Ginama's social media channels, many women replied: "This doesn't apply to me, I just had my baby."

In reality:

• you can get pregnant during perimenopause, because ovulation continues, even if it is irregular;
• fertility decreases with age, and this decline begins well before perimenopause;
• if you do not wish to become pregnant, contraception remains necessary until menopause is confirmed;
• if you are planning to have a baby, talk about it early with your gynecologist or a fertility clinic.

Our "Génération Péri" series actually dedicates an entire episode to the desire for a child during perimenopause.

Why it's useful to know early

"When you know, you can regain control of the situation and seek out solutions that work for you," explains Flamme. Knowing about perimenopause isn't about worrying in advance: it's about being prepared.

Perimenopause is also an ideal window to establish habits that will make menopause smoother:

• strength training, for your muscles and bones;
• a protein-rich diet;
• protected sleep and better stress management;
• regular check-ups with your doctor or gynecologist.

This is also what gynecologist Odile Bagot recommended in our series Osée, ménopausée. If you are considering supplements, read our article on food supplements during perimenopause.

What if your symptoms start before age 40?

Having a few symptoms at 37 or 38, while still having periods, can be a sign of early perimenopause. However, some situations require prompt medical advice:

• your periods stop for more than three months before age 40, without pregnancy or contraception that suppresses them;
• your cycles become very irregular before age 40, accompanied by hot flashes or night sweats;
• you are planning a pregnancy and you notice changes in your cycle;
• you have a family history of early menopause.

In these cases, a check-up can determine if it is early menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency. It requires medical management, particularly to protect your bones and heart. This isn't to worry you, but to ensure you don't overlook a situation that warrants monitoring.

You're in perimenopause, not past your prime

Flamme is fighting against the negative image of this period, right down to the names and packaging of its products. "We shouldn't be ashamed to say we're in perimenopause. Life goes on; we don't have an expiration date." At Reflet, we completely share this message: understanding your body at every stage of life is the foundation for living it well. Find all our content on perimenopause.

Discover the episode with Flamme Servera

Discover the Generation Peri series

Key takeaways

• Perimenopause most often begins between the ages of 40 and 45, and sometimes as early as 35.
• The average age of menopause in France is 51.
• Family history, smoking, certain medical treatments, and specific health conditions can cause it to occur earlier.
• Before age 40, it is considered premature menopause: you should consult a doctor.
• You can still get pregnant during perimenopause, and if you aren't being listened to, you have the right to seek a second opinion.

FAQ

Can you be in perimenopause at 35?

Yes, it is possible, even though it is more common after 40. If your periods stop before age 40, consult a doctor.

What is the average age of menopause?

In France, menopause occurs on average around age 51, generally between 45 and 55.

How long before menopause does perimenopause begin?

On average 2 to 4 years before, but it can be longer for some women.

Is the age of menopause hereditary?

Family history is a useful indicator: if your mother went through menopause early, there is a higher chance that you will too.

Can a blood test tell if I am in perimenopause?

Not always, because hormone levels fluctuate significantly from one day to the next. The diagnosis is primarily based on age, cycles, and symptoms.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Flamme Servera is the founder of the brand Ginama, a partner of the Génération Péri series; she is not a healthcare professional. For any questions regarding your cycles, fertility, or symptoms, please speak with your doctor, gynecologist, or midwife.