At 30, menopause is probably the last thing on your mind. But there are things you should be doing now to prepare for this future phase of life. Well+Good talked to Mary Claire Haver, MD, an ob-gyn, about what you need to know.

"It's really important for women to understand what's going to happen to them so they can be prepared. These changes are inevitable, but suffering through them doesn't have to be," she says.

See also: Menopausa antes dos 40? Pode aumentar risco de morte precoce, diz estudo (Portuguese version)

Here's what you need to do.

Pay attention to your calcium

"Bone loss accelerates during the menopausal transition, and low dietary calcium intake can contribute."

Take care of your heart health

"The risk of heart disease increases during menopause, regardless of age."

Eat fiber

"Fiber slows down the rate at which sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream and insulin levels."

Strength train

"Muscle is the organ of longevity."

Mind your mental health

"As sex hormones decline during the menopausal transition, so can our mental health."

Find a practitioner who gets it

"It can be hard to find a good doctor."

See also: Sintomas de menopausa que muitas mulheres não conhecem (Portuguese version)