Menstruation is a very normal part of a woman’s life. It indicates that your body is healthy and everything is fine. Periods occur for an average of 5 days, roughly every 28 days. Every month your body prepares for pregnancy, and when it doesn’t happen, the uterus lining starts shedding, which causes bleeding.
However, periods are also accompanied by period cramps, mood swings, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, and even weird food cravings. But there is nothing that a strong woman cannot handle.
Let’s talk about these symptoms and what causes them.
- Woke up with a smile, but now you want to cry buckets because the canteen didn’t have your favorite chocolate? Your periods might be the culprit. Hormonal fluctuations can cause unexplained mood changes before and during your periods.
- Apart from mood swings, your hormonal fluctuations can also lead to acne breakouts. Acne breakouts generally happen 1-2 days before your period.
- You might also feel bloated a few days before your period. Bloating happens due to the changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which makes your body retain more water, resulting in bloating and a heavy feeling.
- Many women wonder what causes abdominal pain or cramps during periods. Menstrual cramps occur because of increased production of prostaglandins, a group of hormones produced by the uterus. When the uterus contracts, the blood supply stops for some time, leading to menstrual cramps.
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FAQ’s
2. Why do mood swings happen during my period?
Mood swings during the menstrual cycle are often caused by hormonal shifts. These fluctuations can lead to sudden emotional changes—happy one moment, tearful the next—without any real reason. It’s a common experience and shows how hormones can influence mood during your cycle.
3. Can acne flare up before my period?
Yes, hormonal changes in the days before your period can trigger acne outbreaks. These usually appear 1–2 days before bleeding begins. The rise and fall of hormones can affect your skin’s oil production, leading to breakouts just before menstruation starts.
4. Why do I feel bloated before my period?
Bloating often occurs a few days before your period due to water retention caused by hormonal shifts. These changes affect the balance of body fluids, which can leave you feeling heavier or uncomfortable in your abdomen.
5. What causes period cramps during menstruation?
Period cramps happen because of substances called prostaglandins, which trigger uterine muscle contractions. These contractions temporarily cut off blood flow and cause pain in the lower abdomen. Cramps are a common part of the menstrual process.
6. Are mood swings and bloating just part of being female?
Yes, mood swings and bloating are common menstrual symptoms. They result from natural hormone fluctuations during your cycle. Understanding these symptoms can help normalize the experience and support better emotional and physical self-care each month.
7. How long in advance do pre-period symptoms like acne or bloating begin?
Pre-period symptoms such as acne and bloating typically start one to two days before the bleeding begins. Hormonal changes during this time can affect your skin and body fluids, leading to these symptoms just before the period starts.
8. Is it normal for moods to change even if nothing specific happens?
Yes, it's completely normal to feel emotional or moody without a clear reason during your period. Hormonal shifts can cause unexpected emotional reactions, like sadness, irritability, or sensitivity—even in perfectly ordinary situations.
9. What can help manage bloating and cramps?
To manage bloating and cramps, try gentle movement such as walking or stretching, stay hydrated, and eat balanced meals. While not mentioned in the article, applying warmth to the abdomen or choosing soft, absorbent pads can also ease discomfort.
10. Why does shedding of the uterine lining cause a period?
A period happens when the thickened lining of the uterus sheds because a pregnancy did not occur. This shedding results in menstrual bleeding and signals a healthy, regular cycle. It’s the body’s natural way of resetting for the next month.
