Having monthly periods is one of the most significant changes that enter a woman’s life. But unfortunately, having periods is a hassle for most women, making them feel extremely uncomfortable.
However, knowing when your period can arrive like an uninvited guest can help you considerably and give you a heads up about the incoming blood problem.
Therefore, as a woman, you would be happy to know that sure signs and symptoms can help you catch up before it happens and also aid in keeping your desired essentials in stock.
In medical terminology, these symptoms and signs go by the name of PMS. Thus, without further delay, let’s discuss what PMS are, what the signs to look after, and what are the better options to treat the symptoms once they begin to happen.
Get to know more about Premenstrual Syndrome:
Before we know more about the indications, it is best to understand what PMS is and what it is known as.
One must also be aware of the fact that the symptoms can be different for each body. This is because every human body has its unique cycle; thus, there can be an array of signs for every woman who goes through a period.
PMS is often classified as physical and emotional symptoms that occur regularly and tend to disturb the flow of a woman’s life, meaning that they interfere with daily activities.
They usually begin a week or five days before the period arrives and leave four or a few days before it commences. The hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle are progesterone and estrogen. These hormones tend to fluctuate a lot. Estrogen is the dominant hormone just before the fertile window begins, i.e. the ovulation process.
After the ovulation process completes, the second hormone, i.e. progesterone, starts to rise after the fertile window arrives and is dominant just days before the period begins.
Signs and Symptoms of the Premenstrual Cycle
This is probably the main highlight of the entire article. So many women, especially the young girls who have just started to get their periods, are curious to know more about the signs so they know the next time their period is about to hit.
Therefore, down listed are some of the most common signs and indications you can get before and during your period.
Stomach Cramps
Abdominal cramps are one of the best classical signs that your period is on its way. These cramps go by the name of primary dysmenorrhea.
Stomach cramps can start anywhere days before your period begins, last throughout and stay all the while till your monthly period ceases. These cramps can either be severe or mild. Depending on the intensity of the cramps, you might have to take some medicines or do some techniques at home, such as using a warm compress to relieve pain.
Though women experience such cramps in the lower abdomen, they can travel to the thighs and back, thus increasing the pain levels.
Other signs that can hint towards something else different than premenstrual symptoms could be;
- Fibroids.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. (PID)
- Endometriosis.
Tender Breasts
It’s entirely normal for the breasts to feel extra sensitive and tender leading up to the days of a period.
The reason why the breasts become sore and tender is because of the fluctuating levels of the hormones in the body. Therefore, knowing what your breasts usually feel and look like is crucial.
One can also examine how their breasts look and how they look a few days before the period begins.
Bear in mind that breast tenderness is a typical premenstrual sign. Thus, you could visit a healthcare professional if you have any other concerns about your breasts and doubt there might be any other problem.
Skin Breakouts
Skin breakouts are pretty common too. If you haven’t noticed, you might have seen that your skin gets extra sensitive and becomes more prone to breakouts.
Even though this can be pretty annoying, some women’s premenstrual signs, including the acne problem, worsen in the last week before the period begins.
As mentioned earlier in the article, progesterone rises a week or a few days before the period starts; hence it becomes dominant. Upon its dominance, it increases the skin’s sebum (oil) production.
Bloating
Have you ever felt your tummy feeling heavy or that you are unable to zip your pants a few days before your period? That’s a feeling defined as bloating.
Bloating is also a pretty uncomfortable feeling and can last throughout the time your period stays. Specific changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause your body to retain more water, thus causing bloating.
Most women are relieved of this feeling on day two or day 3 of the period cycle. One of the worst cases of bloating is on the day the period begins.
Fatigue
If you find yourself extremely tired, sleepy, drained and out of energy, it is a positive sign that your period is on its way and can strike at any time.
Changes in your hormones and brain chemicals can cause one to feel tired and out of energy quickly. However, one must never forget that such signs, especially getting tired quickly, can also point towards a significant life change; pregnancy.
If you went through all such symptoms and haven’t gotten your period yet or have happened to miss it, then you could be pregnant. Thus, it would be best to take a pregnancy test if you have been going through all these signs and are feeling extra tired.
Conclusion
While the article talked about the most common PMS signs experienced by many women, there are more to the list, such as headaches, lower back pains, trouble sleeping, and bowel issues.
Nevertheless, we want to remind you that going through some PMS signs before your period begins is normal and shouldn’t be a point of contention.
If you notice that home remedies fail to bring relief, you should consider getting prescribed medicines. However, if the pain doesn’t seem to cease, it will be best to plan a trip to the doctor immediately.
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