If you’ve experienced symptoms exactly like those that might occur when you’re expecting your period, but it’s missing or never at all, you’re 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 experience phantom periods while experiencing perimenopause, the transition period before menopause.

It is important to remember that menstruation has been a regular part of your life for many years and therefore the transition to menopause can also take several years. During perimenopause, it’s not unusual to experience phantom periods, as well as various 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 talk to your health care provider to rule out the possibility of other health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Once you are sure you are 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 a few very simple lifestyle changes.

It’s 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 through 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 have decided that this is not the solution for you, go ahead and stop exercising. You will lose absolutely nothing, apart from a few kilos and several inches of your body. However, I seriously doubt he’ll stop once he sees for himself how much better he’ll look and feel. Go ahead and take on this challenge so you can start looking and feeling better than you ever thought possible.