PMS Symptoms Before Your Period
All content within this page has been reviewed by
Dr Tariq Miskry, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician
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Do you get crampy, moody, or hungry before your period? Well, you’re not alone.
These are symptoms of premenstrual syndrome – aka PMS. Most girls experience PMS symptoms before their period. Look at them as your body’s way of alerting you that your period is right around the corner.
What are the causes of PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome symptoms are believed to be caused by the changing hormone levels in your body leading up to and during menstruation - aka your period.
A certain type of these hormones, called prostaglandins, also cause your uterus to contract so that it sheds your uterine lining. This is what makes you feel crampy, a common PMS symptom before your period.
When does PMS start?
They usually taper after the first two days of your period – when your flow tends to be heaviest.
So, if your PMS is particularly bad one month, don’t fret. It gets better!
Watch this video and get the answers to all your PMS questions
What are the signs and symptoms of PMS?
Here are some PMS symptoms before your period to look out for:
Cramps
You may feel cramps in your lower abdomen right before and during your period. Don’t worry.
Nothing is wrong and you’re not dying. This is just one of the most common signs of PMS. Try using a hot water bottle to ease the discomfort.
Read more here.
Headaches and backaches
Headaches and backaches are also very common PMS symptoms before your period. Talk to your parents about keeping a bottle of over-the-counter pain killers in your bag so you have them at the ready should the period headache monster strike.
Bloating
Quick tip: drinking water can actually help deal with bloating!
Bloating is a common sign of your period coming. It may feel like none of your clothes feel exactly as they should. Don’t fret. It’s mostly water weight, is perfectly normal, and will go away in a few days.
Mood changes
A changing mood is a common premenstrual syndrome symptom. The hormones in your body can affect your mood and your patience for things that wouldn’t normally get under your skin.
You may feel extra sensitive before your period arrives. It can feel like your emotions are going haywire and that you feel like crying at the drop of a hat.
Before getting alarmed, check the calendar. Are you about to get your period? If so, you know to take a deep breath, keep calm, and not get too flustered by how you’re feeling.
Sometimes some strategically planned alone time is also just what you need.
Spots
Your skin is very sensitive to your body’s hormonal changes. You may notice that you breakout just before your period.
Be sure to wash your face with a gentle cleanser to reduce oily skin and help alleviate some of the blemishes appearing on your face.
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge tends to change in colour right before you get your period. It may become white. This is one of the signs of PMS.
Throw on an Always Dailies liner to protect your knickers and to get an extra boost of freshness, and you’re good to go.
They’re super thin and flexible, so you’ll barely know you have one on.
Breast tenderness
You may notice that your breasts are sore and tender just before you get your period. Running, hugging a friend, or anything that makes your breasts move can make you wince in I-wish-I-hadn’t-done-that discomfort. You can help by simply wearing a sports bra when you exercise.
So, what should I do?
Pay attention to how you feel before your period. Which symptoms do you experience? Whatever it is you feel once a month before your period, well, that’s your very own, personal set of PMS symptoms before your period.
Every girl has her own unique mix and match of menstruation symptoms. You may feel some, all, or even none (lucky girl!) of the premenstrual syndrome symptoms listed above. Is there something you feel every month that’s not on our list? That just may be your body’s very own way of telling you what’s about to come.
Knowing when you’re expecting your period can prompt you to keep an eye out for premenstrual signs, so they won’t throw you off guard. This way you can manage your period symptoms by being prepared ahead of time.
Maybe take a deep breath before snapping at your parents or spend some extra time journaling to get out those extra feelings you have before your period.
