Menstruation, also known as your period, is a 28-day cycle that fertile women usually experience every month. Such female hormones as estrogen and progesterone dictate this cycle each month. Other hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone also work to prepare your body for pregnancy. Specific symptoms characterize your period.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is the hallmark sign of having your period. According to the Mayo Clinic, normal vaginal bleeding occurs on a 21- to 35-day cycle. The actual bleeding can occur for about two to seven days or more, depending upon the woman. The bleeding is actually shedding of the endometrial tissue in your uterus that is necessary for pregnancy.
Sometimes, vaginal bleeding may be abnormal. You may experience unusually heavy periods or suddenly stop having your periods. Fluctuations in your vaginal bleeding may be a sign of cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), ovarian cysts or vaginal cancer. See your doctor when your vaginal bleeding significantly alters.
Menstrual Migraines
Menstrual migraines can accompany your periods. The National Pain Foundation says menstrual migraines occur as a result of a decrease of estrogen in your body. In fact, they state that 60 percent of women experience migraines before or during their period.
Manifestations of a menstrual migraine include a severe headache, nausea, dizziness, light sensitivity, trouble thinking and sensitivity to light and sound. The National Pain Foundation says that menstrual migraine treatments include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or specific migraine medications belonging to the class of drugs known as triptans and ergot derivatives.
Other Symptoms
KidsHealth.org says that you can also experience menstrual cramps and develop acne and premenstrual syndrome. They state that more than half of women menstruating experience menstrual cramps within the first few days (two to three days) of their period. These cramps can be sharp, dull and achy and affect your pelvic or stomach regions. Taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, using a heating pad and exercising daily may help decrease menstrual cramping.
Premenstrual syndrome refers to a condition in which you feel sad and irritable when you have your period. You can also develop acne as a result of hormonal changes.
Bloating, sore breasts and water retention are other symptoms of menstruating.
