If you’ve experienced symptoms exactly like those that can occur when you’re expecting your period, but it’s not there or never comes, you’re most likely having a “phantom” period.
Phantom periods are described as a 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 healthcare provider to rule out the possibility of other health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Once you’re sure you’re having phantom periods, there’s no need to worry, as there are no known health risks for women who experience 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 the many symptoms of “female conditions” than invest a small amount of time and energy to ensure they look and feel fantastic 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, continue and stop exercising. You will lose absolutely nothing, apart from a few pounds and several inches from your body. However, I seriously doubt you’ll stop once you see for yourself how much better you’ll look and feel. Go ahead and take this challenge so you can start looking and feeling better than you ever thought possible.
