When Aunt Flo Pays A Visit: What Are The Top 5 Period Symptoms?

For aeons women from all over have commiserated with one another about their periods and mood swings (usually over a glass of wine or some chocolate).

Also affectionately referred to as “leak week” in some circles, periods affect almost every woman on this planet to the point that talking about periods and what are top 5 period symptoms makes the topic almost cliché.

Almost.

We all still find our menstrual cycle absolutely fascinating, a marvel even, and it is important that we keep talking.

Why?

Because it unifies us as women, and sometimes that “period” symptom ( or premenstrual syndrome) can actually be a sign for something else.

First: The Top 5 Period Symptoms

You asked and we’re delivering!

So, what are most physical symptoms women dealing with while on their menstrual period?

#1. Cramps

Like any of us are surprised.

The cramps we feel may vary, from being a small “ping!” in our general uterus area to being constant dull if not grinding pain that no ibuprofen can relieve!

One doctor recently likened period pain to a “heart attack” and has said that the pain that we feel needs to be taken more seriously.

Some nations like Japanese even grant “period leave” at work, recognizing that women should not be forced to be on the job in pain.

In case you’re wondering, my bags are already packed and I’ve got my plane ticket. Sayonara, suckas!

#2. Fatigue

If you feel more sleepy and sluggish during your period, here is an excuse to not blame that extra glass of red wine from the night before.

Because the bleeding causes a loss of iron, it isn’t uncommon for you to feel tired during the day and have a more difficult time getting up in the morning.

#3. Mood Changes

This may in part be because of the fatigue, but it is not uncommon for women to feel more “emotional” during the days leading up to and during her period because of (dun-dun-duuuun)…

HORMONES.

Some of the most common psychological symptoms which your darling period may be responsible for include:

• Feeling upset
• Feeling irritable or upset
• Feeling depressed
• Feeling restless
• Feeling depressed
• Feeling anxious

The good news is that these symptoms typically lessen as soon as your period starts and they will completely disappear within days after it has come to its wonderful conclusion.

#4. “Muscle Cramps” (Dysmenorrhea)

A handful of unfortunate ladies may suffer from something known as “dysmenorrhea”.

Video by: CanadaQBank

These can be likened to feeling tight muscular cramps in the lower tummy which can also spread to your back and thighs.

These cramps are not like your typical period cramps.

They are far more intense (though they can sometimes dull) and they choose just the right time to begin: once you begin to bleed.

The pain typically stops within 12 to 24 hours, just long enough for mother nature to remind you that she’s a kind yet cruel mistress who can giveth and taketh away.

#5. Diarrhea

Think you poop more while on your period?

You are not alone.

Doctors are not sure that this happens but they do believe that it may be due to something called “prostaglandins”, some chemical which is released during your period which causes your uterus and intestines to squeeze contract.

Apparently this same chemical is linked to dysmenorrhea too.

To any women suffering from both, we are so sorry.

When Period Symptoms Are More Than Period Symptoms

Some discomfort during your period is normal.

Most women can survive on an ibuprofen and a hot water bottle.

But if you’re laying in bed curled tightly in the fetal position when “that time of the month” rolls around, then you may be suffering from something called “endometriosis”.

For some, this condition shares no symptoms.

For others, women may suffer from a plethora of painful period-related symptoms such as:

• Extremely painful menstrual cramps
• Very heavy bleeding (if you are needing to change your tampon or pad any more than once every couple of hours at first, your periods are extremely heavy)
• Painful bowel movements
• Painful urination (it may not be that UTI you thought you had!)
• Painful sex (the furthest thing from your mind…)

If you and your shnookums are hoping to make a baby, you may also find that you are having difficulties becoming pregnant.

You may be able to point the finger at endometriosis, which is fortunately treatable.

image source: helloflo

Don’t Downplay The Suck

Though a natural part of a woman’s life, periods suck.

But if you are at all concerned about your period or if it is stopping you from performing regular every day activities, it’s time to talk to a health professional.

• Cramps, sore boobs and bloating are normal.
• Taking more than one ibuprofen a day is normal.
• If you, your daughter, or a friend are writhing in excruciating pain each month for any reason, seek medical assistance.

Let’s speak up about our period pain.

Chat with your doctor and share any questions or comments you may have here.

References:

http://jezebel.com/expert-compares-period-pain-to-a-heart-attack-says-it-1759620344
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Periods/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/diarrhea-and-your-period.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/women/pms/premenstrual-syndrome-pms-symptoms