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the state of menopause 2025

Perimenopause may be the most misunderstood health transition in human history. 

Year-over-year data tells a consistent story about unpredictable symptoms, underwhelming support, and unwavering stigma. 

This year's topics:
  • Lost in transition
  • The limits of self-education
  • Preparation is key

In our fifth annual State of Menopause survey, years of data continue to show that the onset, preparation for, and treatment of new symptoms remains the most tumultuous part of the menopause transition. Because of this, perimenopausal women are bearing the most burden. And though product availability has surged, access to clinically studied, effective treatments remains limited.

The year’s State of Menopause report surveyed 2,000+ women, aged 40-64, who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

1. Lost in transition 

Women are experiencing perimenopause with a lack of preparation, and it seems to be impacting women aged 40-49 more dramatically. In fact, women in this age range are seemingly less prepared for the disruption of menopause symptoms than women over 50.

  • 59%

    of women aged 40-49 never knew about perimenopause until they started to experience it.

  • 71%

    of all women report feeling unprepared for how disruptive symptoms are in their life.

Half of all women aged 40-49 report that their menopause symptoms caused them to feel “not like themselves,” changing their mood, mind, and expectations for the future.

  • +40%

    Women aged 40-49 report feeling hopeless at 40% higher levels due to their experiences with perimenopause vs. women 50+.

  • +27%

    Women aged 40-49 report their symptoms make them feel like they are ‘surviving, not thriving’ at 27% higher levels than women 50+.

Struggles in the workplace have remained consistent year over year. 

3 in 4 women aged 40-49 report that symptoms have negatively affected at least one aspect of their work life. This may reflect a lack of preparation for the onset of symptoms, which often coincides with the peak of their careers.

  • 48%

    48% of women aged 40-49 say that perimenopause or menopause symptoms have negatively impacted their ambition.

  • 20%

    1 in 5 women aged 40-49 say their perimenopause or menopause symptoms have impacted their income

Women seeking symptom relief continue to be let down.

Only 7% report feeling very satisfied with the non-prescription options available in retail.

  • 64%

    64% of women report not finding good over-the-counter options at retail stores.

  • 72%

    72% of women would try clinically backed options available in retail stores without a prescription.

  • 69% of women are not using any treatments for their symptoms.

    And while 1 in 10 women say they would avoid hormone therapy, JAMA reports only 1 in 20 are actually using it.1

2. THE LIMITS OF SELF-EDUCATION

Women continue to believe self-education is the best way to navigate perimenopause and menopause. 

This data is consistent across age groups, and year-over-year, with a slight upward trend.

  • 79%

    in 2023

  • 80%

    in 2024

  • 81%

    in 2025

More specialized healthcare support is needed.

Nearly 1 in 3 don’t feel confident about their ability to advocate for themselves in a healthcare setting. 

  • +12%

    Women aged 40-49 report they feel like they should “just deal with” their symptoms at 12% higher levels vs. women 50+.

  • 41%

    of women have gotten conflicting advice on symptom management from healthcare professionals.

  • 24%

    of women aged 40-49 had a healthcare provider incorrectly attribute their perimenopause symptoms to anxiety. 

  • This year, The Menopause Society announced its NextGen Now initiative. The organization will invest $10 million into a training program specifically designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools necessary to treat menopause.2

More women are learning about menopause from social media.

While almost 1 in 5 women are turning to institutions like The Menopause Society for information, nearly 1 in 4 women aged 40-49 have used TikTok to find information about perimenopause and menopause.

More education on social media isn't increasing technical understanding of basic terminology, which has remained flat year over year.

  • 35%

    of women don't know the technical definition of perimenopause.

  • 81%

    of women don't know the technical definition of menopause.

PERIMENOPAUSE

(NOUN)  |  ˌPƏR-ɪ-ˈME-NƏ-ˌPÓZ

A stage, i.e., the transitional period leading up to a woman's final menstrual cycle.

MENOPAUSE

(NOUN)  |  ˈME-NƏ-ˌPÓZ

A moment in time, i.e., the day that marks 12 consecutive months without a period.

Celebrities are talking about menopause more—but it may be creating more confusion than support.

  • <10%

    Less than 1 in 10 women seek out menopause information from non-medical, celebrity brand founders and influencers in the space.

  • 66%

    The majority of women are more likely to purchase from brands that are backed by research.

Menowashing

(verb) | ˈme-nə-ˈwȯ-shiŋ 

The marketing of products for menopause that have not been studied in menopausal women in order to profit.

3. Preparation is key

Perimenopause begins at the average age of 42, but symptoms may begin as early as late 30s in some women.3

Perimenopausal women can feel empowered by getting proactive about the menopause transition—before symptoms become debilitating.

  • 31%

    31% of women did not treat their symptoms sooner because they weren’t aware of all treatment options.

  • 40%

    40% of women think menopause symptoms only impact women over age 50.

  • 22%

    22% of women didn’t treat their symptoms early because they came on so gradually, they didn’t realize how bad it had gotten.

As more digital natives enter perimenopause, 
women may increasingly navigate the transition 
with technology that's geared toward tracking symptoms and finding solutions.

  • 2x

    Women aged 40-49 report they are 2x more likely to use digital apps for symptom management and support vs. women 50+.

  • 3x

    Women aged 40-49 report they are 3x more likely use digital healthcare platforms vs. women 50+.

  • We first noticed this digital health trend last year—and it’s gaining momentum. We
expect that these digital health trends will continue to rise as more millennials start 
to experience perimenopause.

The State of Menopause in 2025

It’s time to create a perimenopause plan 

The latest data shows women in perimenopause thrive when they proactively shape their own care. 

Here's how to take control—starting now:

Ask questions early.

Don’t wait for symptoms to escalate. Learn what’s normal, what’s not, and what options are available.

Partner with your provider.

Choose a healthcare provider who listens to you. Look for someone open to shared decision-making—not dismissal.

Track your symptoms.

Perimenopause causes more than hot flashes. Fluctuating hormones can impact your mood, sleep, and more. Tracking symptoms helps to reveal patterns that can get you to relief faster.

Stay curious—but question everything. 

Not all advice and solutions are created equal. Cross-check sources, look for clinical research, and trust your instincts.

Read our surveys from previous years:

References

1. Anderer. Only about 5% of US women now use hormone therapy. JAMA. 2024;332;(21):1779.

2. The Menopause Society to launch nextgen now initiative to transform menopause training. The Menopause Society. June 4, 2025.

3. Cunningham et al. Perimenopause symptoms, severity, and healthcare seeking in women in the US. npj Womens Health 3, 12 (2025).