Menstruation is a natural phenomenon that takes place during women’s reproductive years. Although, there are many myths and taboos attached to periods; we need to adopt a scientific and logical approach towards menstruation. We will talk about seven symptoms around periods which can be considered normal and common.

First symptom is the most obvious – Bleeding.

The intensity of blood flow differs from person to person and so would be the usage of sanitary napkins and tampons. But it is highly recommended to visit the doctor if the flow of blood is abnormal ,if there are bigger formation of dried blood clots or if pads are soaked quickly within an hour. Ideally, one should change sanitary napkin/cloth every 5 to 6 hours.

Second most common but painful symptom during periods are Cramps also known as menstrual cramps.

Pain in abdomen, back, legs is common during periods owing to hormonal changes in the body occuring during periods. If you face severe pain, such that you cannot continue with your routine due to pain – then you must consult a doctor soon as possible. No medications should be taken without consulting your doctor.

Third symptom – Cravings. Getting craving to eat particular kind of food during periods is due to the change in the body’s response to insulin in the premenstrual phase. Anyhow it’s advised to eat balanced food, rich in iron during periods. Keep yourself hydrated as well.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is mostly a collection of emotional symptoms, with or without physical symptoms, related to a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Welcome to the world of irritability, dysphoria – in other words unhappiness, anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep (insomnia), mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity, and changes in libido.

PMS affects one’s emotions and often leads to mood swings and stress, anxiety or rage. As this syndrome intensifies it may affect emotional stability of an individual.

Fifth symptom results owing to fluctuations in hormones and increase in the level of oil in the body, and thus one is more prone to have Acne  before or during periods. Occurrence of pimples varies from person to person according to their type of skin.

Sixth apparently normal period symptom is breast tenderness. During menstruation , when progesterone hormone is high; the connective tissues in breasts swell. Also, during periods there is an increase in estrogen level  makes breasts feel tender.

Above mentioned symptoms are normal as indicated by gynecologists, but apart from these symptoms if anyone faces serious health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, an autoimmune disorder or even bad headaches, then one should immediately consult a doctor.

Why do women have periods?