How to Know When Your Period Is Coming
Women and people assigned female at birth usually start noticing physical and mood changes about one to two weeks before period bleeding starts. A total of 90% of women have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms at some point in their reproductive life. Some people have more severe PMS signs and symptoms than others.
Changing hormones are to blame for many uncomfortable or unpleasant period signs and symptoms like cramps and tender breasts. Brain chemicals are also involved, but it's unclear to what extent.
Period signs and symptoms usually end about three to four days after bleeding begins.
Common signs that your period is approaching are:
Acne breakouts
Acne is a common problem at this time of the month. Adult women get acne much more than men, and it's all because of hormones. Period-related breakouts are called cyclical acne. Rising hormone levels kickstart oil (called sebum) production, which clogs pores and causes pimples as your period is about to start. Before or during your period, you may notice breakouts on your chin and jawline area.
Sore breasts
Breast pain linked to periods is called cyclical breast pain. Your breasts may feel tender or swollen right after ovulation until a few days after period bleeding starts. Changes in the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin (the breastfeeding hormone) may play a role.
Fatigue and sleep issues
Fatigue is a vicious cycle for many women at this point in their cycle. Shifting hormones disturb your sleep patterns and make you feel tired. Changes in estrogen and progesterone may also raise core body temperature, especially when sleeping. You're more likely to get good sleep when your core body temperature drops.
Menstrual cramps
Cramps in your lower belly are the most frequent menstrual complaint. Cramps that occur before or during your period are called primary dysmenorrhea. Unlike many other symptoms, which begin one to two weeks before your period and end when bleeding starts, cramps usually show up right before your period and last two to three days.
Constipation or diarrhea
When your period is coming, digestive symptoms tend to fall to the extremes. Some people get constipated. Others have diarrhea.
Bloating and gas
Water retention is another major complaint. It's also hormonal, but you can curb premenstrual bloating by cutting out salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly.
Headaches and migraines
Changes in estrogen levels are to blame if you get headaches before your period. If you're prone to migraines, you'll probably find that you get them before your period.
Mood swings and emotional changes
The shift in hormones that cause physical period signs can also affect your emotions. You may have crying spells or feel angry and irritable.
Anxiety or depression
Depression and anxiety are commonly linked to PMS. About half the people who seek help for period signs have some type of depression or anxiety disorder. A history of either condition could make your PMS symptoms worse.
Lower back pain
Period cramps don't just affect the belly. Changes in natural chemicals called prostaglandins that line the uterus cause contractions that you could also feel in your back or thighs.
Signs of Period vs. Pregnancy
It's easy to mistake early pregnancy symptoms with the signs that your period is coming because the conditions share common symptoms, including:
- Tender breasts
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Back pain
One hint that you might be pregnant is if you're experiencing nausea and vomiting because these symptoms aren't often associated with PMS. Sometimes, light spotting may be a sign of early pregnancy as well, but if your flow gets heavier over time, it's most likely your period.
Depending on your life goals, it can be stressful trying to determine whether you're pregnant or waiting on your period to start. If you miss your period entirely and your cycle is often inconsistent, it may be a good idea to take an at-home pregnancy test to see if you're pregnant.
Takeaways
If you have a period, you've probably experienced some of the many symptoms that come before your cycle. The most common signs your period is coming include feeling bloated, tired, irritable, crampy, or even more anxious or depressed, among other symptoms. Most of the time, these symptoms will ease three to four days after your period starts. But if they're ongoing and your period is later than normal, consider buying an at-home pregnancy test because PMS and early pregnancy share many symptoms.
Signs Your Period Is Coming FAQs
How do I trigger my period?
There's no surefire way to make your period start. Birth control can help regulate your cycle if your periods are inconsistent. If you think you may be pregnant and you'd like to consider your options moving forward, talk with your doctor and avoid any home remedies to induce your period, as they could be dangerous to your overall health.
How late can a period be?
Not everyone's period is regular. Determining how late your period is depends on what your cycle looks like. If you get yours every 28 days consistently, your period may be considered late if it's delayed three or more days. But if your period is inconsistent, it's considered late if it's been 35 days since your last cycle.
What should I do if my period isn't coming?
You may miss a period for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, extreme weight loss or exercise regiments, menopause, as a side effect of your birth control, or if you have polycystic ovary syndrome. If your period is late or you've missed it entirely, talk to your doctor about other symptoms you're experiencing. They can help you determine what might be going on and, if necessary, help you find treatment to make your periods more regular.
If you believe there's a chance you may be pregnant, buy an at-home pregnancy test to determine if that's why your period is delayed. If the test indicates you're pregnant, talk to your doctor about determining the best next steps for you.
