Signs of a Menstrual Period

It makes no sense for women to refer to their menstrual cycles with nice terms such as "my monthly friend " or "Aunt Rosie." Your menstrual cycle can be a tough time, especially if you suffer from the symptoms that can accompany it. Though each female experiences a different set of symptoms and to varying degrees of severity, most women have some type of warning sign that menstruation is about to begin. In some cases, the symptoms can be severe, resulting in the condition known as PMDD. Recognizing these symptoms can help you take the necessary measures to manage them.

Emotional Symptoms

Due to changes in your hormones, your menses is often accompanied with emotional symptoms, also known as PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Though these symptoms will vary from person-to-person, they typically begin one week prior to the beginning of bleeding. These symptoms can include depression, confusion, irritability, uncontrolled anger and mood swings.

Physical Symptoms

Your hormones also can cause physical symptoms that also begin a week prior to the start of your menses. Again, the severity of these symptoms and when they start vary for each person. These include cramps in your abdomen and upper thighs, headaches, swelling of your hands and feet due to fluid retention, bloating and breast tenderness.

PMDD Symptoms

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a condition that causes severe symptoms prior to the start of your menses and end once your menses stops. According to the medical experts of Know My Cycle, the symptoms of PMDD can be compared with a major depressive episode. If you experience any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor about treatment options to reduce the severity. PMDD symptoms include an inability to sleep, a feeling of hopelessness or anxiousness, feeling overwhelmed or out of control, constant anger that leads to personal conflicts and excessive sleeping due to extreme fatigue.