Women who rely solely on the calendar to determine when their period is going to begin may be caught off-guard. A more effective way to predict when menstruation may begin is to look for premenstrual symptoms in addition to the date on the calendar. Although actual symptoms will vary depending upon the individual woman, there are some common premenstrual symptoms that women should anticipate. These symptoms will be mild for most women, but those who experience symptoms that are intense or severe may be suffering from a condition called premenstrual syndrome. This condition has the same symptoms that any woman may experience before her period, explains the National Institute of Health, except that they are much more intense and severe. Women who have intense or bothersome premenstrual symptoms should report their symptoms to a doctor.
Physical Symptoms
Many physical changes can occur as a woman's body prepares to menstruate. The hormone fluctuations can cause breast swelling, so a woman may notice that her breasts seem more sensitive, sore or tender than usual. A woman may have trouble sleeping during this time, but also may feel tired during the day even when she gets a good night's sleep. Hormone changes also can cause appetite changes or gastrointestinal issues like bloating, constipation or diarrhea, explains the National Women's Health Information Center. Headaches and backaches are also common, as are joint or muscles pains. Skin changes, like acne, may also occur. Finally, immediately before menstruation begins, many women will experience menstrual cramps. This cramping, which usually begins in the lower back or lower abdomen, can be quite painful. However, the pain of menstrual cramps typically lessens later on in life, and especially after childbirth, explains the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Mental Symptoms
Although women generally experience more physical or emotional symptoms before their period, mental symptoms can also occur. These include trouble concentrating or problems with short-term memory, explains the National Women's Health Information Center.
Emotional Symptoms
Some women will feel anxiety right before their period is about to start, and many will feel irritable. Feeling depressed or crying easily is another symptom that occurs frequently during this time. Moods often fluctuate wildly, with a woman feeling happy and upbeat one minute and angry or sad the next.
