Most women experience symptoms before their period starts as part of premenstrual syndrome. These symptoms may occur five days and two weeks before their menstrual cycle begins. Some side effects may also occur during and after a period. For example, the pain experienced during a menstrual cycle can differ from one woman to the next. That said, here are nine common symptoms of periods that one should be mindful of.

Headaches
Studies show that more than 50 percent of women who get migraines report an association between their occurrence and period. The hormones in the body trigger the pain response. This is why fluctuating hormonal levels can trigger such painful headaches. For example, migraine attacks can occur before, during, or immediately following menstruation. Furthermore, some individuals can experience a migraine attack during ovulation.

Mood swings
One might experience multiple symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). And these could be much more taxing on their health than the physical side effects of periods. Before and during a period, the hormones rise and fall, which can affect a person’s mood. For example, one might experience side effects such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. While changes in one’s mood cannot be avoided, getting good sleep, avoiding caffeine, and staying active can help manage these effects.

Cramps
Abdominal (menstrual) cramps can begin in the days leading up to a period. These cramps can also last for days or longer once the period begins. They are usually a side effect caused by uterine contractions, which help shed the inner lining of the uterus when a pregnancy does not occur. One should note that the production of fatty-acid hormones called prostaglandins triggers contractions. For example, one might experience abdominal cramps from minor aches to extreme pain. And this might restrict them from participating in usual activities. While menstrual cramps occur in the lower abdomen, the pain could also extend toward the lower back and upper thighs.

Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom that occurs during a period. During the menstrual cycle, a hormone called prostaglandin is released. Most of the hormone sheds with the uterine lining; however, some prostaglandin enters the bloodstream, which leads to nausea. A woman may also experience other side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. In addition, individuals should speak to their healthcare experts about taking prescriptions to reduce prostaglandin production and manage the effects.

Bloating
If the stomach feels heavy and gassy a few days before the onset of a period, it could indicate PMS bloating. Alterations in progesterone and estrogen levels could cause the body to retain more salt and water than usual. The phenomenon results in a bloated-like feeling. While an individual might notice the scale going up by a pound or two, they should be mindful that PMS bloating isn’t permanent and should subside in two to three days after the period begins.

Bowel issues
The bowels are sensitive to hormonal alterations. So it is normal to experience changes in bathroom habits before and during a period. The prostaglandins in women trigger contractions in the bowels, just like their effects on the uterine lining. The similarity of symptoms occurs due to the proximity of the organs. Frequent bowel movements are one of the common side effects of these contractions. One may also experience gassiness, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

Lower back pain
Due to uterine and abdominal contractions, one can also experience muscle contractions in the lower back. Therefore, one might experience an aching or pulling feeling in this region. In addition, some individuals may experience lower back pain during a menstrual cycle, while others might feel mild discomfort.

Sleeping difficulties
A cooler body temperature is essential for better sleep. However, one’s body temperature may rise slightly during the onset of the period, which could also affect sleep quality. The core body temperature rises about half a degree after ovulation and stays constant until the woman starts menstruating. The temperature may also drop shortly after one gets their period. Other common effects of PMS that affect sleep include headaches, cramps, and mood swings.

Breast tenderness
Rise in progesterone levels in the middle of a period cycle, around ovulation, are common. The phenomenon makes the mammary glands in the breasts enlarge and swell. As a result, the breasts can swell up and be tender before or during the period. And this may occur even after the progesterone levels drop. In addition, some women might experience mild effects of these symptoms, while others may find their breasts to turn heavy or lumpy, causing severe discomfort.