ALL possible period symptoms

Every month, menstruating people (assuming they don't get pregnant) shed extra layers of the uterine lining. In addition to the main scenario - the menstrual cycle , we deal with side plots, which are often spontaneous and diverse reactions of the body to the changes taking place in it. I think you know where I'm going with this? ;)

Premenstrual syndrome

I wish all menstruating people that PMS actually looks like the way we often tend to present it in a slightly “polite” version. You know, a blanket, a romantic comedy and a bar of chocolate…

In reality, it is accompanied by both somatic and behavioral symptoms – of course, it is not said that all of them must occur or that each of them can be immediately attributed to PMS . It usually appears in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and its symptoms “let go” at the beginning of the follicular phase. From my experience, I can tell you that PMS symptoms sometimes bother me even a dozen or so days before the planned period, and sometimes they do not appear at all.

Hormone Variations

The command center and brain of the entire menstrual operation is the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. Their relationships to each other vary throughout the cycle.

Symptoms related to premenstrual tension are associated with changing levels of sex hormones . The level of estrogens (which are responsible for well-being in the follicular phase) drops, while progesterone increases - and it is this that is responsible for most of these unpleasant symptoms.

To introduce some order into our journey through pre-period “charms” – we will divide them into groups of the most common ailments related to period symptoms.

The first to go are painful complaints . They can effectively prevent normal functioning and often require a heavier arsenal (read: painkillers). What causes them?

Lower abdominal pain - primary or secondary?

The most characteristic of menstruation are bothersome and sometimes very painful cramps.

Lower abdominal pain during premenstrual syndrome may be associated with increased production and concentration of prostaglandins . Such ailments are called primary pains . Prostaglandins are tissue hormones that, among other things, determine the development of inflammation in the body. There are several types of them, and depending on the place of their origin, they can perform different functions. In the case of the uterus , prostaglandins stimulate its muscle to contract. The mechanism of contraction of the spiral arteries, which were responsible for the growth of the endometrium, is also very important.

Lower abdominal pain may also result from other accompanying anomalies or diseases – it is then classified as secondary pain . Hormonal fluctuations are then a catalyst and may intensify the symptoms of specific disease entities.

Remember that lower abdominal pain can also be aggravated by uterine fibroids and other benign changes in the reproductive organs , endometriosis or anatomical abnormalities.

Back pain

Particularly characteristic are the ailments of the lumbar section. Where do these pains come from?

Premenstrual abdominal pain (especially if the contractions are particularly strong) often radiates and results in discomfort from the back. Chronic back pain can also occur in the course of endometriosis. In both cases, the pain is related to the fact that the sensory fibers of the uterus pass, among others, through the nerves reaching the I-III lumbar segment of the spinal cord.

Leg pain

Back pain, due to the proximity of nerves in the lumbar plexus, may radiate further to the thighs and calves.

This is somehow a natural consequence of the high concentration of prostaglandins and the large network of muscles, veins and blood vessels in our body.

As with the back, endometriosis and ovarian dysfunction may also be the cause of periodic leg pain .

Breast pain

Many people complain of breast pain and tenderness before their periods.

Recurrent breast pain is the so-called cyclic mastalgia . The mechanism of its occurrence is related to the accumulation of fluids under the influence of hormones (specifically estrogen and progesterone receptors). Another factor may be excess prolactin, which indirectly (by increasing the number of estrogen receptors) can also cause breast pain.

Sometimes, due to endocrine disorders, in addition to the pain itself, breast lumps (mastopathy) may appear, resulting from temporary changes and thickenings in the glandular tissue. If the lumps do not disappear on their own after menstruation, it is worth consulting a doctor and making sure that any changes are benign.

Learn more about breasts in our article: Breast structure and development – ​​bust forward!

Headaches

Premenstrual migraine headaches occur most often 2 days before and during the first 3 days of menstrual bleeding. This is due to a drastic drop in estrogen levels, which causes the uterine lining to shed.

Periodic headaches can be exacerbated by, among other things, taking oral hormonal contraception, menopause, or pregnancy (it is said that they can be most bothersome in the first trimester).

Stinging in the vagina

Pain and stinging in the vagina can happen just before or during your period and often do not indicate any abnormality. However, it can be the result of an infection or inflammation of the vulva. That is why it is so important to take care of hygiene and use appropriate means of protection against leakage - not only during bleeding.

If vaginal stinging occurs during menstruation after childbirth (specifically after a vaginal tear or incision), this may be a sign of endometriosis developing in the scar. In people who have not yet had their first period and experience cyclical abdominal and vaginal pain, it is possible that there is a vaginal septum that prevents menstrual blood from flowing out.

Other ailments that menstruating people complain about include vaginal dryness , which results from reduced production of cervical mucus. This can result in, for example, pain during intercourse and a decrease in libido .

Increased body temperature

During the menstrual cycle, specifically after ovulation, the body temperature increases by about 0.5°C due to increased production of progesterone. This is quite a key clue for those planning to get pregnant, who monitor ovulation and the release of the egg into the fallopian tubes. You can learn more about ovulation in our other articlehere .

A significantly higher temperature may (but does not have to) indicate a more serious infection - many people experience flu -like symptoms just before their period , which stop when their period begins.

Temperature drop

The temperature usually drops one or two days before the start of the period – this is caused by the atrophy of the corpus luteum and the resulting decrease in progesterone production.

Persistent symptoms before your period may also come from the digestive system and indicate water and electrolyte imbalance .

Diarrhea

The aforementioned increase in prostaglandin concentration in the body can cause not only uterine contractions, but also intestinal contractions. This can result in a number of symptoms from the digestive tract – for example, diarrhea or constipation . People who complain about similar problems due to other accompanying diseases and ailments are particularly susceptible to digestive revolutions.

Heartburn

The cause of heartburn (discomfort in the esophagus and sternum) is gastroesophageal reflux, i.e. the backflow of stomach contents (juices).

Between the esophagus and the stomach is the esophageal sphincter. Progesterone can cause it to relax and allow acidic stomach contents to pass into the esophagus.

Swelling

Does it ever happen to you that just before your period you feel like you've gained a few kilos?

The feeling of heaviness, swelling and periodic weight gain result from water retention in the body. The reason again may be hormonal fluctuations, diet and drinking the right amount of fluids are also very important.

Just before their period, many people complain about a deterioration in their skin condition .

Acne

Acne is mainly caused by androgens, which really show off during the luteal phase, when estrogen levels drop (responsible for well-being and radiant appearance during the follicular phase). This sometimes results in increased sebum secretion by the sebaceous glands. Too much of it can clog pores and cause pimples, as well as skin inflammation.

The last unpleasant symptoms we will look at are those related to general well-being and behavioral symptoms .

PMDD

"Premenstrual Syndrome Times a Million"

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a set of symptoms that is a derivative of PMS - it also begins in the luteal phase, and begins to subside after the follicular phase begins. In PMDD, psychological symptoms are more severe , but it can also be accompanied by somatic complaints usually associated with PMS (breast swelling and tenderness, joint and muscle pain, bloating, weight gain). The difference is their intensity and duration.

Well-being and mood swings in PMDD

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder in its course resembles a depressive episode, and depression may also overlap with PMDD - therefore, a multidisciplinary approach and determination of appropriate, optimal treatment are crucial.

When diagnosing PMDD, specialists pay attention to the simultaneous occurrence of at least five symptoms, including mood swings , panic attacks , irritability , depression , fatigue , sleep disorders and lack of desire to perform even the most mundane activities. The causes of PMDD are not entirely clear. Scientists pay attention to and study genetic connections related to the individual's reaction to stress. The metabolism of sex hormones is also cited as a factor catalyzing the problem.

The discussion about PMS is now entering a new phase – it turns out that unpleasant symptoms of the period may not be related only to the production and fluctuation of hormone levels. The problem itself should also be discussed in relation to neurotransmitters, including serotonin (popularly called the “happiness hormone”). They are interconnected, and just before menstruation, when estrogens and progesterone “go wild”, nerve conduction may be disturbed and serotonin levels may be reduced. The issue is extremely individual, depending on environmental or genetic factors, among others.

How does PMDD treatment look like? With mild symptoms, therapy begins with a change to an antioxidant diet (with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E supplementation). Alcohol and caffeine should definitely be limited. Products containing CBD (e.g. oils) can also be valuable.

Hormonal contraception is also used in the treatment , however, if the effect of contraceptive pills is insufficient and ineffective, the doctor may prescribe SSRI drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Psychotherapy is also desirable, not only as a complement to possible psychiatric pharmacotherapy, but also as a form of getting used to the situation and help in returning to normal functioning.

How to survive premenstrual tension?

Before my period is due, my instincts kick in and I go into defense mode. Are the meds on? Are they on? Are the snacks on? But is that enough?

Call me a parrot because I repeat it at every opportunity (although I don't feel stupid about it) - don't be afraid to consult a doctor! I know the mechanism of "I'm definitely fine/I don't have time" very well, but I buried it a long time ago (so as not to be unfounded ;) Take advantage of medical advice and check whether your perimenstrual symptoms are a natural consequence of the work of your body and cycle, or maybe there is some more serious issue behind them that requires intervention. And above all - we are not playing heroin_heroes! If period symptoms prevent you from functioning normally, don't even try to blame everything on hormones and build a bunker out of chocolate bars.

• Painkillers – okay, they will help with more severe pain. However, with long-term use, they can irritate the stomach lining and burden the liver. The choice is yours – I always have a few leaves at the ready, because I know that my stomach pain requires a strong weapon. Remember, however, that they cannot be “just any” medicines. Reach for pharmaceuticals from the NSAID group (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), e.g. ibuprofen.
• Home remedies – definitely safer for the stomach, but they are not always able to effectively control period symptoms. Light, non-burdensome and stretching exercises, yoga, herbal infusions (e.g. from common yarrow), meditation, CBD oils… There are many ways. Choose the one that suits you best :)
• Diet - try to include unprocessed products rich in calcium and fiber in your diet. Take self-care to the next level and take care of yourself holistically! Try to give up caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes and replace them with products full of vitamins and nutrients.
• And speaking of general self-care – avoiding stress . At least try! High cortisol levels can increase stomach aches and general weakness. Shamelessly focus on what lifts your mood – you deserve it!

As you can see, period symptoms are often non-specific symptoms that we could easily attribute to some of the diseases of the reproductive system organs. That is why I appeal, appeal and submit a motion to observe yourself with due tenderness and mindfulness! Not only before the menstrual cycle.