How do l know my period is coming?

What Happens to Your Body Before Your Period

Whether it’s your very first period or your monthly visit, it helps to know the signs your body gives you. These signs are called PMS — premenstrual symptoms — and they can start a few days to two weeks before your period begins.

Let’s break it down:

🔍 1. What Are the Common Signs Your Period Is Coming?

🩸 a. Cramps (Abdominal Pain)

  • You may feel a dull or sharp pain in your lower belly.

  • This happens because your uterus is preparing to shed its lining.

🌧️ b. Mood Swings

  • You might feel more emotional, irritated, or even sad.

  • This is caused by hormone changes, especially drops in estrogen and progesterone.

🍫 c. Food Cravings

  • Suddenly craving chocolate, salty snacks, or carbs?

  • That’s common before a period, and hormones are to blame.

💦 d. Bloating

  • You may feel puffy or like your clothes fit tighter.

  • This is due to water retention, which often comes before your period.

😴 e. Fatigue

  • Feeling more tired or sleepy is normal.

  • Hormone dips and poor sleep can make you feel more drained.

😣 f. Acne or Oily Skin

  • Breakouts often happen a few days before your period.

  • This is from rising androgen levels.

🧠 g. Headaches or Dizziness

  • Some people get migraines before or during their periods.

  • This is also linked to hormonal shifts.

🗓️ 2. How Soon Before Your Period Do These Happen?

Most signs start:

  • 3–7 days before your period

  • Or even up to 2 weeks in your cycle (for some people)

🔥 3. What If It’s Your First Period Ever?

If you haven’t had a period yet, here are signs it may start soon:

  • Growing breasts

  • Hair in underarms and pubic area

  • Clear or white vaginal discharge (a common pre-period sign)

  • Lower belly pain or cramps

🧡 Most girls get their first period between ages 10 and 15.

📌 4. How to Track Your Period

Use a calendar app or a paper journal to:

  • Mark when symptoms start

  • Track flow days

  • Get reminders for next period

Apps to try: Clue, Flo, Period Tracker

📹 Video Suggestion:

YouTube – “What Happens to Your Body Before Your Period?”
Watch this: Always: Understanding Your Period

🛍️ Bonus: Products to Prep With

If you think your period is near, keep a few items in your bag:

  • Pads or period underwear

  • Pain relief (like ibuprofen)

  • Healthy snacks

  • Reusable menstrual cups (e.g., Nyxcollecyion Period Cup)

Every person’s body is different. The key is to listen to your own — and tracking your cycle helps make each period more predictable and manageable.

✅ First Period Checklist

Be Prepared & Confident for Your First Period

🧺 At-Home Supplies

☐ Pads (regular & overnight size)
☐ Period underwear (reusable and leak-proof)
☐ Pantyliners (for light flow days or backup)
☐ Menstrual cup (optional for older teens with experience)
☐ Menstrual disc (optional; more advanced)
☐ Heating pad or hot water bottle (for cramps)
☐ Pain relief: ibuprofen or paracetamol
☐ Mild unscented wipes or tissues
☐ Extra pair of underwear
☐ Dark-colored sleepwear or sheets (helpful for overnight leaks)

🎒 On-the-Go Essentials (keep in your school bag or backpack)

☐ 1–2 pads or pantyliners
☐ Ziplock or small pouch (to store used pads if no bin nearby)
☐ Clean underwear (just in case)
☐ Small travel-size wipe pack
☐ Discreet pain reliever (if allowed by school or guardian)
☐ Period tracker app on phone (like Flo, Clue, or Spot On)

📘 Things to Know

☐ Track your cycle — every person is different (average is 28–35 days)
☐ Period blood is normal — can be red, brown, or dark
☐ Your first period might be light and irregular — that’s okay
☐ Cramps, bloating, or mood swings are common
☐ Ask a parent, guardian, or trusted adult if you have questions

🛍️ Recommended Products for Beginners

  • Pads: Always, Kotex, or organic brands like Rael

  • Period Underwear: Thinx Teens, Knixteen

  • Cups (for later on): Nyx Collection Menstrual Cup (Small)

  • First Period Kits: L. Period Starter Kit, Ruby Love First Period Kit

💬 Encouraging Words

🧡 Starting your period is a normal and healthy part of growing up. You’ve got this! It's okay to ask questions, take breaks, and treat yourself kindly during your cycle.

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