A woman can experience upto 150 different kinds of period and PMS symptoms (including acne, cramps and more), anywhere ranging from 5 – 14 days before her period. These include physical, mental and emotional symptoms that indicate your period is coming soon.
At times, the struggle can be so powerful that it can make the women’s life a bit more complicated. This is also known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). When it is severe enough to incapacitate you from doing your daily activities, it is also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). During this phase, a rapidly changing reproductive hormone system changes the delicate equilibrium of your brain hormones as well.
To help you manage your time and days better, here are some prominent signs your period is coming in a few days:
1. Soreness of breasts
The oestrogen hormone causes dilatation and growth of ducts around the breast, and progesterone causes the milk glands to dilate. So, during the premenstrual phase (PMS) when both the hormones are at their peak, then the breasts become heavy, your bra becomes tight and your breasts may feel sore. In certain cases, sensitivity around the nipples increases too. This cyclical soreness associated with periods is also known as Cyclical Mastalgia. It needs no treatment or evaluation and is purely restricted to this phase. Mild painkillers will relieve any pain if you feel discomfort but as soon as the period starts, the pain vanishes.
2. Cramps in lower abdomen
Cramps usually start 3-4 days before a period and can last 1-2 days after the period before disappearing. This is usually nothing but the contraction of the uterus in order to expel the build up lining that is expelled in the form of menstrual fluid. This is a sure sign that you will get your period in 3-4 days .
3. Acne
Breakouts happen due to rising progesterone levels which increases the sebum production on the skin and clogs the pores on its surface. This leads to acne just before periods and is also known as hormonal acne. Maintain a routine to wash your face twice a dayto keep acne at bay.
4. Mood changes
Constantly changing oestrogen and progesterone hormones cause decrease in serotonin – a happy hormone. Due to this fluctuation, you may experience mild to moderate mood swings, anxiety and in some cases, even depression. Many believe this to be the first reason of PMS.
5. Precipitation of IBS
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, caused due to rapidly changing reproductive hormones. These hormones change the delicate equilibrium of your gut flora, due to which some women experience either diarrhoea or constipation, while some feel bloated. That’s why it’s important to take healthy bacteria supplements during this time to prevent these symptoms. A quick tip would be to decrease the salt in your diet.
6. Headaches and migraines
As the period approaches, oestrogen in the body increases which causes vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels in the brain. Hence the chances of a headache or migraine are higher. Avoid caffeine or any stressor which could increase the chances of a migraine.
7. Water retention
Oestrogen also causes retention of water in the body, hence our clothes feel tight. Drink water throughout the day to help get rid of excess fluid buildup within the body.
8. Period Flu
Period flu is a combination of fatigue, leg cramps and joint pains. If you’re experiencing this, you need to listen to your body and get some well deserved rest. Consume food items rich in electrolytes such as bananas and coconut water for relief.
These are a few common signs that your period is coming soon and that your body is preparing itself for it. But don’t worry, by following these simple steps you will be able to manage your symptoms to a larger extent and help identify these signs again before your next period.
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