Periods are a force to be reckoned with – ask those women who suffer painful period cramps, headaches, an upset stomach, back pain and whatnot. Hence, you need to be prepared for it – even if you hate it. This includes planning your workout sessions, hair-wash days, professional obligations and whatnot.
Like many other women, your periods may be right on schedule, but sometimes there can be delays, or they may come prematurely. So, how would you be prepared in this case? Well, for starters, you can identify the signs that most commonly appear before you begin to menstruate.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms affect 90% of women at some point during their reproductive years. Most women usually start noticing various physical and mood changes about 1-2 weeks before the onset of periods. Some women experience PMS symptoms and indicators to a greater extent than others. Symptoms usually stop three to four days after the bleeding starts.
This blog post discusses signs that tell you your period is coming.
Typical signs that your period is approaching are:
You’re experiencing cramps
Yes, women do experience cramps during their periods, but they can also experience them before their periods. Lower abdominal cramps are the most common menstruation complaint. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to cramps that happen either before or during your menstrual cycle. Cramping typically occurs just before your period and lasts for two to three days, in contrast to many other symptoms that start one or two weeks before your period and stop when bleeding begins.
You’re breaking out
Period-related breakouts, also known as cyclical acne are a common issue during this time of the month. As your period approaches, rising hormone levels trigger the creation of oil, also known as sebum, which clogs pores and results in pimples. Breakouts on your jawline and chin may appear before your period.
Your breasts are sore or heavy
Breast pain linked to periods is referred to as cyclical breast pain. From the time of ovulation until a few days after the onset of menstrual flow, your breasts may feel sensitive or swollen. Fluctuations of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin—the hormone involved in lactation—may be the reason.
You can’t sleep
Fatigue is a vicious circle for many women at this stage of their cycle. Hormone changes throw off your sleep schedule and leave you feeling exhausted. Elevations in body temperature, particularly during sleep, can also be caused by variations in estrogen and progesterone levels. When your body temperature drops to its core, you have a better chance of sleeping soundly.
You have diarrhoea or constipation
Various digestive changes occur in the days and weeks leading up to your period. In some women constipation reaches a peak, while others get diarrhoea.
You have gas and are bloated
Another significant issue is water retention. Although premenstrual bloat is partly hormonal, you can reduce it by eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing your intake of salt, and engaging in frequent exercise.
You have a headache
If you experience headaches before your period, it could be due to changes in estrogen levels. If migraines are a common occurrence for you, you’ll likely notice that they occur earlier in the month.
Changes in your mood
The hormonal shift that results in outward indicators of menstruation can also have an emotional impact. You might feel so agitated and highly emotional that you might cry for no good reason.
You’re depressed and anxious
PMS anxiety and depression are frequently related. Approximately 50% of women who seek treatment for menstrual symptoms do so because they experience feelings of irritability, anxiety, or depression. Having a medical history of either disorder may exacerbate your premenstrual symptoms. Some women also find it difficult to concentrate or remember details.
You have lower back pain
In the week before your period, you may notice a dull ache in your lower This pain is typically muscular in nature and caused by changes in hormone-like substance called prostaglandins, which are responsible for encouraging the uterus to contract and shed the uterine lining.
Closing thoughts
Bloating, cramps, headaches, sore breasts, irritability, and weariness are common indicators that your periods are about to arrive. But the silver lining is that they usually go away a few days after your period begins. Although these symptoms can cause discomfort, they should not affect your ability to function in your daily life. If you have severe symptoms that occur before your period, you should speak to a medical provider.
