Ugh I know you just got over the emotional trauma of your last period and it’s already that time again…
Just know that getting your period lets you know that your body is doing what it’s supposed to do. Our monthly cycles keep our uterus and ovaries healthy. If you happen to miss a period for a reason outside of pregnancy, consider consulting a doctor to see what’s going on.
All our bodies are different. We each experience different symptoms at various parts of our cycle. And even those symptoms can vary cycle to cycle. So knowing some signs that could indicate your period is near is good to know, especially if you don’t track your cycle (which we highly recommend you do!)
You can notice any of the following symptoms in the week leading up to your period. Here are the 9 signs that your period is about to pop by again.
1. Tender Breasts
Prior to your period, fluctuations in hormone levels can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in your breasts. Consider wearing a more comfortable and looser bra.
2. Headache
Headaches, including migraines, can occur when estrogen levels drop before your period. Try using essential oils, pressing on certain pressure points or taking medicine if you have a severe migraine.
3. Acne
As your period approaches, rising hormone levels trigger the creation of oil (known as sebum), which clogs pores and creates pimples. Acne patches can be a lifesaver during this time.
4. Mood swings
Ah mood swings, one of the classic symptoms. Hormonal changes that induce physical period symptoms might also have an emotional impact. You may experience crying spells, irritability, sadness, anger, and/or anxiety. It’s important during this time to be kind to yourself, be patient with yourself and to take care of yourself. Do things that make you feel relaxed and elevate your mood. For example: yoga class, reading, watching tv, facial, massage, or $500 shopping trip. You deserve it all tbh.
5. Abdominal Cramps
Another classic symptom. Cramps can start before your period and last through your period until it ends. Lower abdomen cramping on your period is called dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by the uterus creating an excess of prostaglandins which cause the muscles in your uterus to tighten and relax which causes the pain. The most common ways to get relief are heat and medication. The Girls Band is a great solution that provides long-lasting, portable, discreet, heat for optimal pain relief. You can read more about period cramp relief in this article.
6. Back Pain
Period cramps affect more than just the abdomen. Contractions in the uterus are caused by changes in natural chemicals called prostaglandins, which can also be felt in the back or thighs. Using heat can be beneficial to alleviate back pain as well.
7. Fatigue
For many women at this stage of their cycle, fatigue is another possible symptom. Hormone fluctuations disrupt your sleep patterns and make you tired. Elevated core body temperature can be caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone, especially during sleeping. When your core body temperature drops, you're more likely to obtain a decent night's sleep.
8. Bloating/Gas
Prior to your period, your body retains water, leading you to feel bloated, gain a few pounds on the scale, and even seem puffy around your eyes. Gas can also be caused by rising estrogen levels just before your period, which can make you feel bloated and unpleasant. To try to keep the bloating/gas at bay, drink more water, cut back on salt and increase your intake of fruits/vegetables during this time.
9. Diarrhea/ Constipation
When your period is approaching, your digestive issues tend to be at their worst. Some people have constipation while others suffer from diarrhea.
You can experience any of these symptoms the week before your period and can last 2-3 days into your period.
In conclusion, our bodies are amazing and we are complete badasses. I mean we are badasses every day but especially on our menstrual cycle woah. Go us!
Comment below if there are any other pre-period symptoms you experience. We love hearing from you!
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