It is normal to experience some degree of discomfort in the days leading up to your period and for the first day or two of bleeding, although some fortunate women have no discomfort. For most women, these symptoms are manageable and do not interfere with day-to-day living.
Some normal physical symptoms of menstruation include:
- Tender breasts
- Bloating, fluid retention
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Acne
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Lower back pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Low energy, fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Remember, when menstruation happens the uterine wall is being shed, and when the uterine muscles contract and the uterine wall tears, we experience lower abdominal and back pain.
Some common ways to respond include:
- Exercise
- Rest
- Masturbation
- Hot/warm baths
- Common over-the-counter remedies like Panadol [which can help relieve the pain caused by menstrual cramps.]
Pay attention to your body, and consider reaching out to a doctor you trust if your menstrual cycle is causes you to do one or more of the following:
- Miss work or school
- Not be able to participate in activities that you usually enjoy
- Struggle to carry out your usual daily activities
- Accomplish less than you would like to
- Have difficulty in your relationships with your family or friends
- Have severe pain
- Feel down
- Lack energy or feel very fatigued
- Not exercise when you normally do
- Choose not to go out when you normally would
