The Refined Fit

Many women hear that exercise raises cortisol and wonder if their workouts are causing weight gain during menopause. The truth is more complex. Learn how cortisol works, when exercise helps, when it can become too much, and how to create a menopause-friendly fitness routine that supports energy, sleep, and healthy weight management.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase preceding menopause, characterized by wide hormonal swings, changing menstrual cycles, and a range of symptoms many women find confusing. In this guide, you'll learn what perimenopause is, why it happens, common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and how to manage it effectively.