Signs Before Menstruation

Many girls are likely to have experienced this phenomenon: just before menstruation, they find themselves unable to regulate their emotions—suddenly feeling irritable or angry for no apparent reason. They may also experience breast tenderness or a dull, dragging pain in the lower abdomen, prompting concerns about whether these symptoms indicate an abnormal condition. In fact, menstruation is often preceded by certain physiological signs that signal a woman’s body is preparing for her period. Below, we outline the common premenstrual signs.

Premenstrual Signs

1. Increased Body Hair Growth

During puberty, rising estrogen levels stimulate the growth of body hair in girls. The appearance of noticeable body hair often signals that menarche—the first menstrual period—is approaching. Girls need not feel overly anxious about such natural bodily changes; mothers, in particular, should provide timely guidance and education to help daughters understand and accept these developments.

2. Increased Vaginal Discharge

In the days leading up to menarche, girls often begin noticing increased vaginal discharge—a viscous, whitish fluid medically termed “leukorrhea.” Its appearance typically indicates that menarche is imminent. In the few days immediately preceding the first period, this discharge may appear brownish-yellow—an early sign that menstruation is about to begin.

3. Headaches and Significant Mood Swings

In the pre-menarche phase, hormonal fluctuations—particularly surges in estrogen and sex hormones—can temporarily disrupt the body’s endocrine balance. As a result, girls may experience pronounced emotional volatility and even headaches during this time.

Distinguishing Menstruation from Pregnancy

1. Increased Urination

Frequent urination is a common early symptom of pregnancy, primarily caused by the enlarging uterus pressing on the bladder as the fetus develops. This symptom does not occur before menstruation; thus, increased urination helps differentiate early pregnancy from premenstrual symptoms.

2. Excessive Sleepiness (Hypersomnia)

Excessive sleepiness is another frequent early sign of pregnancy. Pregnant women often report persistent fatigue and an insatiable need for sleep—even after extended rest. In contrast, premenstrual fatigue typically manifests only as mild tiredness or drowsiness, falling short of true hypersomnia.

The above outlines key premenstrual signs. Whether or not a woman experiences noticeable premenstrual symptoms depends largely on individual constitution. That said, we advise all women that dysmenorrhea (painful periods) is commonly associated with “cold uterus” (a Traditional Chinese Medicine concept); reducing intake of cold-natured foods may help alleviate symptoms.