The relationship between hormones and exercise dictates how you should approach your workouts at each stage of life.

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Her biggest piece of advice?

The change: menstruation

What happens:Youre tired!

woman sweating in the gym

Jasmine Pedroso, MD MPH, FACOG in an OB/GYN at the Kindbody clinic in San Francisco.

That lethargy is real, physiologically-backed, and worth paying attention to.

Also, theres something to be said for NSAIDS.

This is why doctors recommend women abstain from any strenuous physical activityincluding sexduring this time.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

What to do about it:Well, no HIIT workouts for starters (protect your ovaries!).

Switch toverylow-key, low-impact stuff.

Keep it gentle, and go easy on yourself.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

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Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Jasmine Pedroso, MD MPH, FACOG in an OB/GYN at the Kindbody clinic in San Francisco.

In pregnancy, women are definitely encouraged to continue to work out, she says.

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This can cause stamina, strength, and energy to decrease, says Dr. Pedroso.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Dont give up, though!

It is important that we still continue to exercise due to its many health benefits.

Menopause is a great time to focus on weight training and strengthening exercises, she says.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Think: Pilates, free weights, strength training.

These exercises can help to prevent the bone loss that can come with menopause, says Dr. Pedroso.

Think: dietary shifts, medication, changing birth control, stress, illness, injury, and more.

These changes can affect different hormones in different ways.

It can feel daunting to advocate for your health, but youve got this!

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