A menstrual period, the time of the month when a woman's uterus sheds its lining, can vary greatly from woman to woman. Not only does the length and frequency vary, but the symptoms of a menstrual period differ as well. Some women may find themselves with several symptoms, while others may barely have any symptoms at all. However, it is important for all women to learn the common symptoms of a menstrual period so they can prepare themselves to handle these symptoms if they do occur.
Strong Emotions
Hormone fluctuations can cause unpleasant emotional symptoms during menstruation. Wyeth Pharmaceutical's website KnowMyCycle.com lists depression, anger, irritability, anxiety, confusion, social withdrawal and mood swings as some of the emotional symptoms experienced during menstruation. Women experiencing intense emotions that interfere with the ability to live their life normally during the time of menstruation may be suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These women should talk to a doctor about their symptoms and discuss whether medication may lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Physical Changes
Hormonal fluctuations are also responsible for many physical symptoms. Breast tenderness and swelling or nipple sensitivity occurs for some women, while others may notice changes in their skin or an increase in acne. Insomnia is also common, as are changes in appetite and gastrointestinal issues like bloating, constipation or diarrhea, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Headaches and backaches are also common.
Cramps
Many women also experience menstrual cramps during a menstrual period. These women will feel tightness or pain in the lower back and abdomen right before the vaginal bleeding starts, and it lasts the first several hours or even the entire first day of the menstrual period. Cramps are generally worse early on in life and before a woman experiences childbirth, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen at the first twinge of pain usually will provide some relief from the pain, but prescription medications are also available for those who experience cramps that are more intense and painful.
Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is the telltale symptom of a menstrual period. It is typically bright red in color but also can be various other shades of red or brown. This menstrual blood is not just blood but a mixture of blood and tissue from the uterus. The bleeding from menstruation lasts about 3 to 5 days on average, but is still normal if it is as short as 2 days or lasts up to 7 days, explains the National Women's Health Information Center.
