What Are the Signs That Your Period Is Approaching?
Nov 21, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yan Ying
Introduction
1. Lower abdominal heaviness and distension: Caused by hormonal fluctuations and pelvic congestion; some women may experience dull aching, vague pain, or a sensation of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen and lower back.
2. Generalized fatigue: Many women experience profound fatigue and excessive drowsiness; these symptoms commonly signal the imminent onset of menstruation.
3. Emotional instability: Manifested by unexplained irritability, sudden tearfulness, or mood swings.
Prior to the onset of menstruation, women commonly experience certain premenstrual signs. Most women report noticeable breast tenderness or swelling before their period begins, and some may also experience mild abdominal pain. Additionally, symptoms such as poor sleep quality and mild anxiety may occur. Importantly, these discomforts typically resolve spontaneously once menstruation starts. So, what are the signs that your period is approaching? Below, we address this question.
What Are the Signs That Your Period Is Approaching?
1. Lower Abdominal Heaviness or Pressure
This sensation results from hormonal fluctuations and pelvic congestion. Some women experience dull, aching, or distending pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, while others feel no discomfort at all. This symptom may begin shortly after ovulation—or several days later—meaning it can occur within the two weeks preceding menstruation. In addition, some women may experience a low-grade fever, with body temperature rising slightly to approximately 37°C–38°C.
2. Generalized Fatigue
Many women report generalized fatigue and increased drowsiness prior to menstruation—common indicators that menstruation is imminent. Headaches may also occur during this time, though they are not associated with any underlying organ disease. Furthermore, vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) undergoes noticeable changes before menstruation. The most prominent change is an increase in volume. Pelvic congestion before menstruation leads to increased blood flow to the cervix and vagina, resulting in greater secretion of vaginal discharge than usual.
3. Emotional Instability
In the days—or even up to one week—before menstruation, some women experience emotional lability, such as unexplained irritability, sudden crying spells, or disproportionate anger over minor issues. After menstruation ends, blood flow to the uterus and vagina returns to baseline, and vaginal discharge decreases accordingly. Thus, increased discharge before menstruation is considered normal, primarily driven by estrogen fluctuations. Similarly, increased discharge may also occur normally at other times—for example, before sexual intercourse or during pregnancy.
The above outlines common signs indicating that menstruation is approaching. We hope this information is helpful to you.
