Listening to the Signs Your Period Is on the Way
Medically reviewed by Renita White, MDMedically reviewed by Renita White, MDAs your body prepares for menstruation (your period), you may experience physical and emotional changes about two to 10 days before your period begins. Known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), these telltale symptoms—from bloating and mood swings to breast tenderness and headaches—can serve as signs your period is coming.
Photo composite by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Symptoms of Period ComingMost menstruating people experience premenstrual symptoms in the days or weeks leading up to their period. Some people may experience mild symptoms a day or two before their period starts, while others may have more severe symptoms that happen one to two weeks before menstruation begins.
Signs vs. SymptomsWhen it comes to your period, the terms "signs" and "symptoms" are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings:Signs are observable changes or indicators others can notice, such as bloating, breast swelling, or skin breakouts before menstruation.Symptoms are sensations only the person experiencing them can feel, such as cramps, fatigue, headaches, or mood swings.Both signs and symptoms help signal that your period is on the way, but symptoms are more subjective, while signs are more visible or measurable.
Most Common As levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone rapidly decline as your body prepares for menstruation, you may develop common premenstrual symptoms, which typically go away within a few days after your period starts. These symptoms can be physical or emotional (psychological).Common physical signs your period is coming include: Bloating Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea Fatigue Gassiness Headaches Less tolerance for bright lights and loud noises Swollen or tender breasts Uterine crampingWeight gainCommon emotional or psychological PMS symptoms include: Anxiety, tension, or feeling on edgeAppetite changes Feeling sad, depressed, or having crying spells Food cravingsIrritability Less Common but Still Possible Premenstrual symptoms tend to worsen in your 30s and 40s as menopause approaches, and some people may develop new (to them) symptoms they did not experience in their teens or 20s. In some cases, these less common symptoms may be overlooked or mistaken for unrelated issues, but they are due to hormonal changes in your body during the premenstrual phase. Less common PMS symptoms include: AcneClumsiness Difficulty concentratingForgetfulness or memory troubles Hostility, aggression, or anger outbursts toward yourself or others Increased fears Increased sensitivity to painMouth or gum pain Poor judgment or impulsivity Poor self-imageSex drive (libido) changes, being either more or less interested in sex than usual Sleep changes, such as sleeping too little or too much How to Tell With Irregular PeriodsThe average menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, though regular cycles can range between 24 and 38 days. Some menstruating people can precisely predict the day their period will start. But if you have irregular periods—whether due to perimenopause, hormonal birth control, thyroid hormone imbalances, or an underlying condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or uterine fibroids—it can be harder to anticipate when your period will start. Without a predictable cycle, tuning in to your body's subtle signals can provide clues about when your period is coming. Paying attention to patterns over time can also help, even if the timing is less predictable. Here's how:Track your cycle: Use a period-tracking app or a journal to note symptoms and when your period starts and ends. Over time, you may notice a pattern of common signs that indicate your period is on the way.Monitor physical changes: Watch for body changes like bloating, breast tenderness, or acne flare-ups, which often signal menstruation is approaching.Pay attention to mood shifts: Emotional symptoms, such as increased irritability or anxiety, can be early indicators that your period is near, even without a regular cycle.Notice changes in discharge: You may have little to no cervical mucus or experience light spotting in the days leading up to your period. PMS and PMDD: Timing Before BleedingWhile about 90% of menstruating people experience PMS symptoms in the days leading up to their periods, approximately 5% of them have a more severe condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).PMDD is a hormone-based mood disorder that causes severe anxiety, depression, and irritability. In addition to typical PMS symptoms like bloating and cramping, PMDD symptoms include: Anxiety Difficulty sleeping Disinterest in relationships Fatigue Food cravings or binge eating Frequent cryingJoint or muscle pain Lack of interest in daily activities Mood swingsPanic attacksProlonged anger or irritability that affects yourself and othersSadness, despair, and/or suicidal ideation PMDD symptoms typically last one to two weeks and gradually subside within a few days after your period. It is uncommon for PMDD symptoms to persist for more than two weeks, but it can happen if your symptoms begin around ovulation and continue into the early days of bleeding.Without proper treatment, PMDD symptoms can worsen over time and contribute to ongoing anxiety and depression, especially if the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt daily life.Are There Signs for a Late Period?A period is generally considered "late" if it is more than five days past the expected start date based on your usual cycle length. For example, if your cycle is typically 28 days long and you have yet to start your period by day 33, it would be considered late. However, menstrual cycles can vary, and occasional late periods are normal.Some possible reasons for a late period include:Excessive exercise Hormonal birth control Perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause, when the menstrual cycle ends)Pregnancy StressSudden weight lossThyroid hormone imbalancesUncontrolled diabetesWeight changes, including significant weight gain or loss
Irregular Periods & Seeking Medical CareIf you consistently have menstrual cycle irregularities or suspect you have an underlying condition affecting your period, it's important to seek medical attention. It's unfortunately common for people with periods to feel dismissed or not taken seriously when they first visit a healthcare provider to discuss menstrual cycle concerns. Issues like irregular periods, severe PMS, or suspected underlying conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis are sometimes downplayed as "normal." Delayed diagnosis and treatment can prolong your discomfort, so advocating for yourself is important. Ask questions, seek second opinions if necessary, and continue pushing for comprehensive care until your concerns are adequately addressed.
Comorbid Flares Before Period Many people with mental health and chronic conditions may experience a flaring up of symptoms in the days leading up to their period. Known as premenstrual exacerbation (PME), hormonal fluctuations before your period can trigger increased sensitivity and inflammation and worsen symptoms of these conditions.Some conditions associated with PME include:Alcohol use disorder AnxietyBipolar disorder (mental health disorder causing severe mood swings)Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)DepressionEating disorders Endometriosis (tissue like that in the uterus grows outside the uterus)Fibromyalgia (chronic widespread pain)Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)MigrainesSummary Recognizing and understanding the signs that your period is on the way can help you better manage premenstrual symptoms. While mild to moderate PMS symptoms like bloating, cramping, and mood swings typically appear two to 10 days before your period, more severe symptoms or prolonged symptoms may be a sign of PMDD. While PMS symptoms are common and are considered a normal part of the menstrual cycle, you do not have to suffer in silence through more severe symptoms. If your symptoms impact your quality of life, see a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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