8 Symptoms of Menstruation - What Are They?
Menstruation is often accompanied by period pain. Different women experience different kinds of discomfort. It can be mild for some, but for others, it could be extreme and disrupt their daily life. Every woman is very familiar with this pain, but sometimes it can be extreme. The pain usually presents itself as cramps in the lower abdomen. Sometimes, it could also be spread to the lower back and thighs. There could be several factors contributing to it. Maintaining your menstrual health and hygiene should be your number one priority.
There are different kinds of symptoms. Some symptoms are seen before your period is coming. It works as a sign that your period is about to come. Other kinds of symptoms are seen after you start bleeding. Different types of periods can mean different things.
Here Are 8 Symptoms Mentioned And What Causes Them:
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Period Pain:
It is one of the most common symptoms. Every woman must have experienced it at some point in their life. The intensity of the pain usually varies. Some of the pain could feel like intense spasms. Others might feel more like a painful muscle cramp around the abdomen.
For most women, it starts initially, but for some, it could lead to the end. It is caused when the uterus is contracted. The pain is triggered when there is a lack of oxygen in the uterus, which releases chemicals. A chemical named prostaglandin is released, which encourages the muscle to contract, which causes even more pain.
Health Conditions That Can Make Period Pain Worse:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory
- Adenomyosis
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Breakouts
Proper menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiatives should be taken to avoid breakouts. It is very common to notice acne and breakouts on your face. They can flare up during menstruation or around that time. It is more common in adult women than you might think. A study has shown that 44% of women have experienced acne before their menstruation.
A change in the hormonal level causes it. Though acne happens in men, it is more common in women. The level of estrogen and progesterone rises as your period days come near, and this, in turn, increases the oil or sebum produced by the grease-producing glands. It can also clog your skin's pores and cause inflammation.
Health Conditions That Can Make Acne Worse:
- No periods
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back
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Abdominal Bloating
Some may notice that their jeans are getting tighter as they approach their periods. Have you ever noticed how your lower abdomen gets swollen? This is a very common symptom. It can appear a few weeks before your periods start, and hormonal fluctuations cause it. Some other ways to increase your water retention are by following a diet that is high in salt. If it is pretty regular, you should consider checking up with a doctor. -
Migraines
Headaches are a prevalent symptom. You can see that sometimes it gets worse as your period is approaching. This is also due to hormonal changes. It can be mild and occasionally excruciating and can cause severe migraine. At the end of the phase, there is a drop of a hormone called estrogen. This causes headaches. It can also be seen during the beginning of menstruation.
Things that can make headache worse
- Menopause
- Oral contraceptives
- Pregnancy
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Gastrointestinal issues
For some women, it is expected to feel constipated when they are around their periods. Some may experience diarrhea. According to a study, it is seen that at least one of the above have issues in their stomach during this time of the month. When it comes to this, hormones are the number one enemy. Most of the symptoms are caused by hormonal changes, just like this one. Consider seeing a doctor if your problem has not been solved for a long time.
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Breast pain
Tender breasts can also be a sign that your periods are coming. Most women take menstrual health and hygiene lightly, but if they do not take proper initiative, then it can cause serious problems. It can range from mild to severe and can sometimes feel like a heavy, aching pain. It starts with the breast, but sometimes, in severe cases, it can spread to other areas as well. It is most likely caused because of hormonal changes. It happens during peak Day 21 of a 28-day cycle. If you see that the pain is still there after your cycle has ended, then you should probably see a doctor and rule out any severe possibilities.
Health conditions that can make it worse:
- Premenstrual syndrome
- A high-fat diet
- Family history of breast tenderness
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Lower back pain
It is seen that women who have period pain also experience lower back pain. This is when the uterus contracts to shed the old lining. It causes additional muscular pain that can spread into the lower back. If the pain is getting severe and is stopping you from performing your daily activities, then you should probably see a healthcare provider.
Health conditions that can make it worse:
- Endometriosis
- Back conditions or injuries
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Mood swings
Some of the common signs include anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and depression. Some women also face enhanced mood disorders that can be viewed as an extreme form of PMS. As with most of the symptoms, it is also related to hormonal changes.
Health conditions that can make it worse:
- Diagnosed with depression
- Genetical
- Sensitive to hormonal changes
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and addressing the symptoms is vital to promoting menstrual health. It also increases daily well-being and empowers women to engage fully in their professional and personal lives. Menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiatives also play a vital role in providing access to pain management solutions, education, and proper healthcare support.
Ujaas is founded by Advaitesha Birla. Through Ujaas, Advaitesha is committed to bringing about sustainable change by ensuring that girls are equipped with the right knowledge and resources to manage their menstrual health.