Symptoms Before Menstruation
Jan 04, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Ying
Introduction
1. Poor sleep quality: Symptoms may include insomnia or light, restless sleep, with frequent awakenings.
2. Low mood and emotional distress: Individuals may experience feelings of depression, irritability, gloominess, or emotional instability, with unpredictable mood swings.
3. Abdominal pain and headache: Some women experience abdominal pain one week prior to menstruation—commonly referred to as dysmenorrhea—as well as headaches.
Menarche—the first menstrual period—typically occurs between ages 12 and 15. The average menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days and ceases after menopause, which usually begins between ages 45 and 55. During menstruation, women should keep their abdomen warm and avoid consuming cold or icy foods. Prior to menstruation, many women experience various premenstrual symptoms, such as irritability, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, and increased thirst. Below, we address the common signs and symptoms that occur before menstruation.
Symptoms Before Menstruation
1. Poor sleep quality: Insomnia, light or restless sleep, and frequent awakenings may occur.
2. Low mood and emotional instability: Feelings of depression, irritability, melancholy, or mood swings—including sudden shifts between anger and sadness—are common.
3. Abdominal and/or headache pain: Some women experience abdominal pain up to one week before menstruation onset—commonly referred to as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
4. General physical discomfort: Symptoms may include chills, cold intolerance, fatigue, lethargy, temporary weight gain, and mild edema (swelling).
5. Breast discomfort: Breasts may feel tender, swollen, and firm.
6. Noticeable changes in vaginal discharge: Estrogen levels peak just before menstruation, causing genital vasocongestion and increased cervical and vaginal secretions.
7. Acne flare-ups: Some women develop facial acne prior to menstruation.
Additional Information: Important Menstrual Hygiene and Health Tips
1. Maintain strict menstrual hygiene: Menstrual blood provides an ideal medium for bacterial growth. Therefore, women should ensure thorough external genital cleanliness and frequently change sanitary pads to prevent inflammatory or infectious complications.
2. Prioritize warmth and circulation during menstruation: Avoid excessive cold exposure. Keeping the body—and especially the lower abdomen—warm is essential. Many young women experience dysmenorrhea due to inadequate warmth or overconsumption of cold foods during their period.
3. Support nutrition and replenish lost nutrients: Menstruation involves transient blood loss, which the body can naturally restore. However, dietary intake during this time should emphasize nutrient-dense, iron-rich, and protein-rich foods—such as lean meats, fish, red dates (jujubes), and fresh fruits and vegetables—to aid recovery.
4. Avoid strenuous physical activity and abdominal massage: Intense exercise or abdominal manipulation may promote retrograde menstrual flow, potentially contributing to gynecological disorders such as endometriosis.
The above outlines common premenstrual symptoms and key menstrual health considerations. We hope this information is helpful to you.
