Did You Know You Could Already Be In The First Stages Of Menopause?

By Cathryne Keller, Women's Health

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Perimenopause—the four- to 10-year transition phase before menopause—can start as early as (oof) 30. Many younger women don't know it's a possibility, and docs don't always recognize the symptoms in this group. Irregular periods aside, signs that Auntie F may be on her way out include:

Could Be Perimopause: Your relationship is otherwise great. Hormonal shifts can decrease your desire.

Probably Not Perimenopause: You're having bond problems, such as resentment, or taking certain drugs (blood pressure meds, antidepressants). (Here are more reasons for a low sex drive.)

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Could Be Perimopause: You have true hot flashes: sudden, intense heat sensations along with sweating and a rapid heartbeat.

Probably Not Perimenopause: Your episodes are subtle and occur around your period, or you're on antidepressants.

What you should—and shouldn't—be doing to keep your lady parts in good shape:

Could Be Perimopause: Your subpar sleep is unexplained and often accompanied by night sweats.

Probably Not Perimenopause: You're under stress or your sleepless nights typically occur in the week before your period.

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Could Be Perimopause: You haven't changed food or fitness habits. Less estrogen can cause an increase of body fat (up to 15 pounds over the entire peri period). (Hit the reset button—and burn fat like crazy with The Body Clock Diet!)

Probably Not Perimenopause: You've been skipping the gym or you've started taking drugs like antihistamines and mood meds.

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