Perimenopause and phantom periods
If you have experienced symptoms exactly like those that can occur when you are expecting your period, but no period is present or is coming, you are most likely having a “phantom” period.
Phantom periods are described as one period minus menstruation. In other words, you may feel irritable, bloated, fatigued, experience headaches and cramps, but the presence of blood is non-existent. Most women notice phantom periods while experiencing perimenopause, the transition period before menopause.
It is important to remember that menstruation has been a regular occurrence in your life for many years and therefore the transition to menopause can also take several years. During perimenopause it is not unusual to experience phantom periods, as well as several other symptoms, such as irregular or unpredictable periods, trouble sleeping, irritability or depression, hot flashes, and weight gain, especially around the midsection.
If you’ve been experiencing phantom periods, it’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider to rule out the possibility of other health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Once you are sure that you are actually having phantom periods, there is no need to worry as there are no known health risks for women experiencing phantom periods.
As with normal periods, PMS, and menopause, many of the symptoms associated with phantom periods can be reduced and even eliminated by making some very simple lifestyle changes.
It is well documented that regular exercise helps eliminate many physical and emotional symptoms experienced by women who are premenstrual, have phantom periods, or notice signs of perimenopause. Unfortunately, until women actually start exercising and personally experience the positive results of fitness, most simply don’t believe or understand the difference a healthier lifestyle can make.
Because of this, most women would rather suffer from the many symptoms of “female conditions” rather than invest a small amount of time and energy to make sure they look and feel great well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
I encourage you to at least try physical fitness. If, after 60 days, you have not benefited and you have decided that this is not the solution for you, go ahead and stop exercising. You can lose absolutely nothing except a few pounds and several inches from your body. However, I seriously doubt that you will discontinue it once you see for yourself how much better it will look and feel. Go ahead and take up this challenge so you can start looking and feeling better than you ever thought possible.