As long as you have ovaries you are fair game for premenopausal symptoms. Women who have breast cancer and are receiving chemotherapy may experience Peri-Menopause symptoms earlier than the average woman. Also women who smoke cigarettes may also experience these symptoms sooner than women who do not smoke. Certain medications can make the ovaries not function properly bringing Peri-Menopause and menopause on sooner than later. Thin women, genetic predisposition, chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome may also bring on premature ovarian failure.

Regular exercise 4-6 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes is helpful to reduce weight gain, fatigue, bloating and water retention. Ideally, exercise should be part of your daily routine. When you exercise there is a release mood boosting endorphins and serotonin which are the “feel good” hormones. Exercise helps women emotionally and physically during Peri-Menopause.

It can be challenging to know the difference between these two normal hormonal cycles. The conversation starts with knowing your symptoms and adding in lab tests including your FSH and Estradiol levels. Since many of these symptoms overlap, the key differentiator is once your period stops for an entire year the diagnosis of Menopause is at the top of the list.