Many menstruating people experience various physical and emotional symptoms that indicate that menstruation is about to begin. These symptoms can vary from person to person, but are often part of a recurring pattern in the menstrual cycle. Here are some of the most common signs that may indicate that menstruation is approaching:
📍 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) includes a variety of symptoms that can occur in the days or weeks before the onset of menstruation. The most common symptoms include:
• Mood swings: Irritability, mood swings, depression or anxiety may occur more frequently.
• Physical complaints: Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, back pain and joint pain are common symptoms.
• Changes in eating habits: cravings or an increased desire for certain foods, especially salty or sweet snacks.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep problems such as insomnia or unusual tiredness.
📍 Changes in the breast
Before menstruation, hormonal changes can cause breasts to become more tender, swollen, or painful. This is due to fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which affect breast tissue.
📍 Abdominal and back pain
Many menstruating people experience cramping pain in the lower abdomen caused by contractions of the uterus. These cramps can also radiate to the lower back and thighs. This pain is called dysmenorrhea and can occur several days before bleeding begins.
📍 Skin changes
Hormonal fluctuations can also affect the skin. Many people experience a worsening of their skin condition before menstruation, such as increased pimples or acne breakouts, especially on the face, back or chest.
📍 Digestive problems
Some people notice changes in their digestive system before their period, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms may be influenced by hormonal changes that affect muscle activity in the intestines.
📍 Cervical mucus
Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Shortly before menstruation, the mucus often becomes thicker and stickier, which can indicate the impending onset of menstruation.
📍 Changes in energy and mood
Some menstruating people notice a change in their energy levels, feeling more tired or less motivated. Emotional symptoms such as irritability, sadness or increased sensitivity can also be signs that menstruation is about to begin.
📍 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) includes a variety of symptoms that can occur in the days or weeks before the onset of menstruation. The most common symptoms include:
• Mood swings: Irritability, mood swings, depression or anxiety may occur more frequently.
• Physical complaints: Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, back pain and joint pain are common symptoms.
• Changes in eating habits: cravings or an increased desire for certain foods, especially salty or sweet snacks.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep problems such as insomnia or unusual tiredness.
📍 Changes in the breast
Before menstruation, hormonal changes can cause breasts to become more tender, swollen, or painful. This is due to fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which affect breast tissue.
📍 Abdominal and back pain
Many menstruating people experience cramping pain in the lower abdomen caused by contractions of the uterus. These cramps can also radiate to the lower back and thighs. This pain is called dysmenorrhea and can occur several days before bleeding begins.
📍 Skin changes
Hormonal fluctuations can also affect the skin. Many people experience a worsening of their skin condition before menstruation, such as increased pimples or acne breakouts, especially on the face, back or chest.
📍 Digestive problems
Some people notice changes in their digestive system before their period, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms may be influenced by hormonal changes that affect muscle activity in the intestines.
📍 Cervical mucus
Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Shortly before menstruation, the mucus often becomes thicker and stickier, which can indicate the impending onset of menstruation.
📍 Changes in energy and mood
Some menstruating people notice a change in their energy levels, feeling more tired or less motivated. Emotional symptoms such as irritability, sadness or increased sensitivity can also be signs that menstruation is about to begin.
