You’re probably familiar with some of the common symptoms that occur during menstruation like tender breasts, cramps, and fatigue, but there’s a whole plethora of symptoms that might appear. Before reading on, you might want to familiarize yourself with the menstrual cycle and the definitions of related terms.
Physical Symptoms
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea): These are caused by prostaglandins, which act like a hormone, and cause the uterine muscles to contract. The contraction, or tightening, of the muscles in the uterus help the body to shed the blood and uterine lining that’s not needed if you’re not pregnant. Pain from menstrual cramps may radiate to the back or thighs, and often begins before bleeding starts. Mild cramps are generally normal, but severe cramps could be a sign of something else going on and may need treatment.
- Bloating and weight fluctuations: Extra water retention and appetite changes during your cycle can contribute to bloating and weight changes.
- Bowel changes: Diarrhea and constipation are both linked to hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. The same prostaglandins that cause the muscles in the uterus to contract can also cause the muscles in the bowels to contract, often causing what some people call “period poops”.
- Breast tenderness: Common in the luteal phase due to progesterone (hormonal) changes.
- Acne and skin changes: Hormonal shifts increase oil production and inflammation, causing acne, dryness, and other skin changes.
- Headaches and muscle aches: Often related to hormonal shifts, you may feel achy all-around during menstruation. Migraine headaches can be especially common right around the start of your period.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
- Mood changes: Common mood changes during menstruation include irritability, sadness, anxiety, and emotional sensitivity. These often peak (at their most intense) before menstruation, and go away after onset.
- Sleep and energy changes: Fatigue, insomnia, or hypersomnia (extreme tiredness during the day) may affect your concentration and ability to complete everyday tasks.
How Tracking Your Cycle Can Help
Tracking your cycle and logging your period can help you learn your body’s patterns. This can help you know when your period is coming, recognize how your symptoms change (for better or worse) over time, and identify periods as a possible cause for recurring symptoms like diarrhea or migraines. You can get started tracking your cycle with Ovia by clicking here.
When to Seek Help
Mild symptoms around your period are common and generally expected. However, if your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life or cause you distress, you may have a condition like endometriosis, PMDD (mood changes, similar to but more severe than PMS), or adenomyosis (where tissue grows into the muscle of the uterus, causing it to thicken and grow larger). Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Conclusion
Tracking your cycle and associated symptoms is a great way to stay informed about your health. Ovia can help you notice patterns and tell you when it might be time to seek medical guidance. Your healthcare provider is an incredible resource who can give you information and advice when it comes to your menstrual health. You may also choose to ask about preventive care and screenings for certain conditions to boost your chances of early intervention and better outcomes.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “Management of Premenstrual Disorders.” ACOG, Dec. 2023, www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-practice-guideline/articles/2023/12/management-of-premenstrual-disorders.
- “Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods.” ACOG, Dec. 2020, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods.
