Latest figures show that women spend almost one third of their life in perimenopause and menopause. The average age for the onset of perimenopause is now earlier, with most women over 40 experiencing some form of discomfort or symptoms. Non-ageing causes of menopause can mean that women in their 20s and 30s can also experience sudden onset menopause with the same range of mild to debilitating symptoms as their older peers.