What are the signs of a period coming?
Knowing the signs that your period is about to start can help you prepare for the days ahead and manage your symptoms. Many people experience physical and emotional symptoms leading up to their period, often referred to as premenstrual symptoms. While every person’s experience is different, here are some of the most common signs that your period is coming:
1. Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
What happens: One of the most common signs of an upcoming period is cramping in the lower abdomen or lower back. These cramps occur as the uterus contracts to shed its lining.
When it happens: Cramping can begin a day or two before your period starts, or it may occur when your period actually begins.
What to do: Over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or a heating pad, can help alleviate cramps.
2. Bloating
What happens: Hormonal changes leading up to your period can cause your body to retain more water, which results in bloating. This can make you feel puffy or uncomfortable around your abdomen and can sometimes cause weight fluctuations.
When it happens: Bloating is most common in the few days leading up to your period.
What to do: Drinking plenty of water, eating foods rich in fiber, and reducing salt intake can help reduce bloating.
3. Mood Swings or Irritability (PMS)
What happens: Hormonal fluctuations, especially a drop in estrogen and progesterone before your period, can affect your mood. This can lead to irritability, mood swings, or feeling more emotional than usual.
When it happens: This often occurs in the week before your period but can begin even earlier, depending on your cycle.
What to do: Exercise, relaxation techniques, and sometimes light therapy can help manage mood swings. If mood swings are severe, it could be PMS or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), which might require medical attention.
4. Tender or Swollen Breasts
What happens: Many people experience breast tenderness, swelling, or soreness in the days leading up to their period due to hormonal changes.
When it happens: This typically happens about a week before your period starts and subsides once your period begins.
What to do: Wearing a comfortable bra and applying heat or cold compresses can help reduce the discomfort.
5. Fatigue or Low Energy
What happens: Many people feel unusually tired or sluggish right before their period, even if they haven’t been exerting themselves. This can be due to hormonal shifts and the energy your body expends as it prepares for menstruation.
When it happens: Fatigue can start a few days before your period begins and often continues into the first few days of menstruation.
What to do: Rest, hydration, and eating nutrient-rich foods can help you feel more energized.
6. Acne Breakouts
What happens: Hormonal changes, especially a rise in androgens (male hormones that increase oil production), can cause acne or breakouts, particularly on the face, chest, and back.
When it happens: Breakouts often appear a few days to a week before your period and may last for several days into your period.
What to do: Use non-comedogenic skincare products, keep your skin clean, and if necessary, consult a dermatologist for treatment options.
7. Increased Vaginal Discharge
What happens: You may notice that your vaginal discharge increases just before your period, becoming thicker, more noticeable, and sometimes creamy or cloudy. This is because your hormone levels are preparing your body for menstruation.
When it happens: This usually happens a few days before your period starts and will likely change after you begin menstruating.
What to do: Keep your genital area clean and use breathable, cotton underwear to stay comfortable. If discharge has an unusual color or odor, consult a healthcare provider, as it could signal an infection.
8. Changes in Appetite or Cravings
What happens: Hormonal shifts, especially the drop in progesterone before your period, can lead to food cravings, especially for sugary or salty foods. Some people also experience a drop in appetite.
When it happens: Cravings and changes in appetite typically happen a few days before your period starts.
What to do: Opt for healthy snacks to curb cravings, and try to keep your blood sugar stable by eating balanced meals.
9. Headaches or Migraines
What happens: Some people experience headaches or even migraines as their estrogen levels drop in the days leading up to their period. This is especially common in those who have a history of migraines.
When it happens: These headaches typically occur a few days before your period.
What to do: Over-the-counter pain relievers, staying hydrated, and keeping stress levels low can help alleviate these headaches. If migraines are severe, a healthcare provider can offer additional treatment options.
10. Back Pain
What happens: Lower back pain is a common pre-period symptom, caused by the muscles in the pelvic area and lower back being affected by hormonal changes and uterine contractions.
When it happens: This typically occurs a day or two before your period, and may persist into the first few days of menstruation.
What to do: A heating pad or warm bath can help relieve lower back pain, and gentle stretching or yoga may be beneficial.
11. Digestive Issues (Constipation or Diarrhea)
What happens: Some people experience changes in their digestion leading up to their period. You might have constipation, diarrhea, or bloating due to hormonal fluctuations affecting the digestive system.
When it happens: These issues are most common a few days before your period and may continue into the first few days of menstruation.
What to do: Drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and avoiding processed foods can help maintain digestive health.
12. Feeling More Emotional or Sensitive
What happens: Hormonal fluctuations before your period can lead to increased sensitivity, causing you to feel more emotional, weepy, or irritable. These changes can make you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster.
When it happens: This typically starts a few days before your period and may last throughout the first few days of menstruation.
What to do: Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and using relaxation techniques can help stabilize emotions.
13. Temperature Changes
What happens: Your body temperature may fluctuate before your period. Some people notice feeling hotter or having night sweats, especially as progesterone levels drop.
When it happens: Temperature changes are most common in the week leading up to your period and may continue into the first few days of menstruation.
What to do: Dress in layers to regulate body temperature and keep your sleeping environment cool to manage night sweats.
Conclusion
There are many signs that your period is coming, and everyone experiences them differently. Common symptoms include cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue. These are all signs of the hormonal fluctuations that happen in the days leading up to menstruation. Recognizing these symptoms can help you better prepare for your period, manage discomfort, and stay on top of your cycle.
If your symptoms are severe or last longer than expected, it might be worth talking to a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances.