Signs & Symptoms of an Impending Menstrual Cycle

Each month, many women experience signs and symptoms of an impending menstrual cycle. These symptoms, collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), vary from one woman to the next. Some of the signs are physical, while others are emotional. They usually begin several days before a period and taper off as the cycle progresses. The following symptoms are most commonly experienced among women who are about to start a menstrual cycle.

Mood Swings

A woman's emotional state can be noticeably affected by an impending menstrual cycle. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, female sex hormones trigger the mood swings associated with menstruation. A woman may feel tense or irritable in the days leading up to a period. Crying spells and depression may also occur. In extreme cases, women may experience severe emotional disturbances. Medication may be recommended to women who are adversely affected by their emotions.

Changes in Appetite

This is another symptom that widely varies between women. While some women experience a loss in appetite before the start of a period, others will experience food cravings. Women may crave "comfort foods," such as sweets or carbohydrates. Answering these cravings may help some women cope with the stress of PMS. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services claims that salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine may worsen PMS symptoms.

Changes in Energy Level

Some women may notice a change in energy level before a menstrual cycle. Insomnia can occur as energy levels rise at night. However, some women feel the opposite effect and become very fatigued during the time leading up to a period. Moderate exercise, a healthy diet and adequate water intake can help manage the fatigue.

Water Retention

A common complaint among women who suffer from PMS is water retention. Some women feel bloated before and during a menstrual cycle. Clothes and jewelry may fit differently if the water retention is severe. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding salty foods can keep the bloating down.

Acne

Acne breakouts can occur at any age, although adult women may only notice these breakouts around the time of a menstrual cycle. Some women feel little to no physical or emotional symptoms of a period, yet predict a menstrual cycle by a change in skin condition. Although topical acne medication can help control the breakouts, hormones are mostly to blame for monthly skin complaints.

Stomach Upset

A menstrual cycle can cause major stomach upset in some women. During the days prior to a period, some women feel bloated and gassy. Constipation can occur in some women, while others may experience diarrhea or nausea. A well-balanced diet and active lifestyle may help to combat this monthly stomach upset.

References

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services on Premenstrual Syndrome
• National Institutes of Health on PMS and Hormones
• Mayo Clinic on Premenstrual Syndrome