How Do You Know If Your On Your Period

Kat A Former Clue Intern Shared Her Personal Experience Of Waiting To Get Her First Period Below

How to Tell Your Period Is Coming | First Period Signs!

Periods can be frustrating, messy and sometimes downright painful. Nevertheless, I couldnât wait to get mine. When I was nine, my mom taught me about periods, but stressed that I shouldnât expect mine to start any time soon since she had gotten hers later than average. Still, I was determined that that wouldnât be the case for me.

When I was 10, I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, looked down, and finally, a little spot of blood! The wait was over! I was a grownup now, ready to tackle anything! I rushed down the hall to tell my mom who gave me a pad with an unconvinced look on her face. That night I was almost too excited to sleep, knowing what I could tell all my friends in the morning. You can imagine my despair when there was not a hint of red to be seen, only a small cut on my upper thigh. False alarm.

Throughout elementary and middle school I had to sit through various puberty talks and was given countless handfuls of pads and tampons from sex ed teachers âjust in case.â I had to watch all of my friends come into school ready to spill the details of where they were and how they felt now that they were âa real woman.â I wasnât as physically mature as they were but I felt absolutely sure that this milestone would make me fit in again. Days, months and years passed. I watched everyone develop, claim that they had âsynced up,â and relate to each otherâs symptoms. I felt excluded.

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A Brief Overview Of The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes three different uterine phases that occur at the same time as three different ovarian phases. Its not always obvious which phase you’re in, with the exception of the menstruation phase .

Your menstrual cycle is sometimes referred to as your monthly cycle. The most commonly referenced menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, the normal range for many adult women of reproductive age is 2135 days. During this time, your body prepares for the possibility of fertilization and pregnancy. Your period is a sign that pregnancy did not occur.

Many also experience irregular menstrual cycles, which can be caused by a variety of different factors. Tracking the menstrual cycle can be a helpful way to understand the characteristics of your period, i.e., how often it comes, how long it lasts, and what it is associated with, as well as d efficiently detecting any persistent abnormalities or deviations from your normal.

Causes Of Menstrual Diarrhea And Constipation

Like many of the other symptoms of periods, hormones are a likely the culprit here. The build-up of the hormone progesteronewhich is responsible for thickening the uterus liningcan cause constipation in some women.

The increase in prostaglandinsthe hormones which cause the muscle contractions that help the uterus lining shedaround your period, on the other hand, could cause diarrhea.

When prostaglandin levels are high, some of the hormone may enter the blood stream and travel to other organs like the bowels. High levels of prostaglandin in the bowels can cause contractions of the muscles of the intestines or colon, leading to diarrhea.

If these gastrointestinal issues persist, talk to your doctor to diagnose or rule out other possible causes.

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Early And Premature Perimenopause

Early menopause happens before age 45. When menopause comes this early, you no longer ovulate or menstruate, and you can no longer become pregnant.

Another possibility is primary ovarian insufficiency , a condition where your periods stop suddenly in your 30s, or sometimes even in your 20s.

Losing estrogen before age 40 is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, lung disease, neurological conditions and osteoporosis, Dr. Batur warns. So if youre younger than 40 and it seems like youre perimenopausal like if you havent bled for many months its really important to talk to your doctor.

Signs Of Period Coming But No Period

First Period Signs: When Is My First Period Coming?

If you experience signs of period coming but no period, then it may be due to pregnancy.

Pregnancy may cause you to have signs of period Headache and cramps, but no period coming.

If pregnant, you may experience brown spotting before period or sometimes an unusual early light period.

Are you getting tired easily? Do you feel like vomiting? Are you craving for a specific kind of diet? Then its possible you may be pregnant.

Other causes of signs ofperiod coming but no period are stress, weight loss, contraceptive pills, obesity, weight loss, ovarian cyst and polycystic ovarian disease.

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Is There Anything I Can Look For

Probably the most reliable physical symptom of early pregnancy is a missed period. Noticing that your breasts are getting increasingly sore, or experiencing symptoms that you dont usually get around the time of your period, are also signs that you could be pregnant. But again, a blood test will be the best way to know for sure.

How Can I Figure Out What Is Happening In My Cycle When Am I Ovulating

Simply tracking your cycle on a calendar, along with some details of your bleeding and symptoms can help you understand your cycle. Record when your period starts and ends, what the flow was like, and describe any pain or other symptoms , changes in mood or behaviour that you experienced. Over several cycles you will be able to see patterns in your cycle, or identify irregularities that are occurring. Use your own calendar or try this menstrual diary. There are also numerous apps available to help you track your period. If your periods come regularly every 21-35 days, chances are excellent that you are ovulating.

Beyond simple calendar tracking, there are a few ways to figure out the timing of your own personal menstrual cycle. Separately or used together, these can be used to help determine when and whether you are ovulating. Three methods you can try are cervical mucus testing, basal body temperature monitoring, and ovulation prediction kits.

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Can Early Pregnancy Symptoms Be The Same As Period Symptoms

It is easy to confuse early pregnancy and the symptoms of your menstrual cycle, which is usually referred to as your period. There are many similarities in these symptoms. Both may be uncomfortable or painful.

It may be difficult to know if youâre pregnant because early pregnancy symptoms are so similar to period symptoms. If you were not planning a pregnancy, you may go months without knowing that youâre pregnant. This is why itâs helpful to know the differences and similarities of early pregnancy and period symptoms.

What is pregnancy?

Pregnancy is the period of time when your baby develops in your womb. Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, or about 9 months. It is broken up into three trimesters.

There are different expectations for each trimester. Some people may not know that theyâre pregnant during their first trimesters.

What is a period?

Your uterine lining thickens each month to prepare for a pregnancy. When that doesnât happen, the lining is shed. Womenâs cycles and flows are all unique.

How Do I Choose A Pad Or Tampon That Is Right For Me

20 Signs Your Period is Coming (how to tell period symptoms) | Just Sharon

There are smaller, slender pads and tampons available that young women often prefer, particularly when they first start menstruating. You may find it helpful to use different products over the course of your period, with more absorbent tampons or pads being used on heavier flow days, and smaller tampons or pantiliners on low flow days. Each woman has her own preferences and whatever works best for your body is just fine!

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Youre Craving Certain Foods

While it can be a source of comfort to reach for the chocolate box in the days before our periods, theres a perfectly scientific reason for craving certain foods. Once again it all comes down to changes in hormone levels. These hormonal fluctuations can make us crave sweet or salty foods and can affect our appetite at different points in the cycle too.

Sometimes a treat is exactly what we need to pick us up on those difficult days, but keep in mind that maintaining a healthy diet and drinking lots of water can reduce bloating and other PMS symptoms in the lead up to your period.

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Before You Get Your First Period You Might Notice Changes In Your:

In the beginning, the small bumps around your nipples become raised. Then, the darker area of your nipples will get bigger and start to puff outâit might even feel like there is a little lump on your chest. These are called breast buds. This can happen on both sides at the same time, or on just one side at first. If it happens on one side, it can take up to 6 months for the other side to catch up .

Most people first get their first period 2â3 years after their breast begin to grow . If your breast buds start to grow around age eight or nine, it may take closer to three years for your period to start. If your breast buds develop later than most people in your class, like when youâre 13, it may take less than a year for your period to start .

The shape and height of your body will also be changing around this time. By the time you notice breast buds, your whole body will have already started growing more quickly .

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Period Hacks: How To Feel Better On Your Period

Periods and feeling bleh seem to go hand in hand. Thereâs a lot being thrown at your body â bloating, cramps, bleeding, and the all-too-familiar emotional ups and downs caused by hormones on the fritz. And maybe you begin feeling this way BEFORE your period even starts, say hello to premenstrual syndrome . We get it, this can ALL be rough – thankfully, weâve got some period hacks to share that will help you know how to feel better on your period and put you at ease.

You Have Lower Abdominal Cramps

How Do You Know Your Period Is Coming
  • Cramps are one of the most common signs that your period is coming. If you’ve ever had a muscle cramp anywhere on your body before, you know what it feels like. But these cramps affect internal muscles in your lower abdomen and don’t go away quickly like a cramp in your leg would. Cramps usually tell you your first period is coming within a day or two.XResearch source
  • If your cramps get really uncomfortable, ask your parents for some ibuprofenthat’ll help.XResearch source
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    How Do I Know If My Period Is Coming

    Some people get signs that their periods are coming like bloating, pimples, sore breasts, and feeling emotional. Many people get cramps in their belly, lower back, or legs before their period. These symptoms are called PMS. Not everybody has signs that their periods are about to start. And sometimes the signs change month-to-month. As you get older, it usually gets easier to tell when your period is coming.

    Many people mark the days they have their period on their calendar or on an app. Keeping track of your periods will help you know when your next period is coming. It can also tell you if your period is late or early. Its really common to have periods that dont come at the exact same time every month especially when youre a teenager.

    Keeping a tampon, period underwear, or a pad in your bag can help you be prepared for your period, no matter when it shows up. If you start your period and don’t have a tampon or pad, you can ask a parent, friend, teacher, or the school nurse for a tampon or a pad. Some bathrooms also have vending machines where you can buy a tampon or pad. If youre REALLY stuck somewhere without a tampon or pad, you can fold up a bunch of toilet paper or a clean sock or washcloth and put it in your underwear to soak up the blood.

    When Should I Get Medical Help For My Period Pain

    For many women, some pain during your period is normal. However, you should contact your health care provider if:

    • NSAIDs and self-care measures don’t help, and the pain interferes with your life
    • Your cramps suddenly get worse
    • You are over 25 and you get severe cramps for the first time
    • You have a fever with your period pain
    • You have the pain even when you are not getting your period

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    Your Skin Is Breaking Out

    Ever noticed how your skin is most breakout prone on the days youre due? Yeah, it can be really annoying. But if solidarity helps you with this kind of thing, it might be useful to know that more than 50% of women say their acne symptoms get worse in the week before their period.

    The rise in progesterone before a period can contribute to skin breakouts because it increases your skins production of sebum production, explains Dr. Kallen.

    Signs Of Period Coming Late

    How To Tell Your Mom You Started Your Period!!!

    Its easier to spot the signs of a period coming late, especially if you are used to having your periods on time.

    You will quickly notice how your body communicates when you miss your usual period date. These include:

    • Frequent urination

    As we said earlier, every female body is unique, and the signs of late periods can differ slightly.

    starts working within 15 minutesforget all-about period pains for 12 hours.

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    Is A Cycle Always 28 Days

    The average cycle is 28 days but, for some women, it is as short as 21 days, for others it is as long as 35 days. When you first start having periods, it can also take a while before your periods develop a regular pattern. Your cycle also changes as you get older.

    Your menstruation cycle stops temporarily when you are pregnant. Breastfeeding also affects your cycle. At the end of menopause, your cycle stops permanently.

    Flow Color Timing And More

    People who are assigned female at birth typically get their first menstrual period by ages 12 to 13. The average age of menopause, which is the end of your menstrual cycles, is 51. Between your first period and menopause, your body may be able to carry a pregnancy and have a baby.

    The word “cycle” implies regularity. However, menstrual cycles can vary widely between one person and another and will change over your lifetime.

    Your cycle can say a lot about your health, so it’s important to pay attention to it. Here’s what to know and when to talk to your physician about it.

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    Youre Having Mood Swings

    Ever find that you go fromangry outbursts to anxiety attacks, then back to feeling emotionally stable all in one day? If you notice your emotions are more intense than normal, this could also be a sign that your period is coming soon.

    Emotional symptoms are thought to be connected to the rise and fall of hormones particularly the dip in estrogen, which can make us feel low and irritable. Some people may also be more susceptible to PMS due to underlying mood conditions or genetic factors, says Dr. Kallen.

    But if your PMS symptoms are intense and interfere with your daily life, it may be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder , a severe form of PMS. This often manifests in the form of anxiety or depression around the time of your period, and you can read more about the differences between PMS and PMDD here.

    Pregnancy Symptoms Vs Pms Symptoms

    What Is Ovulation Period

    Pregnancy symptoms often mimic PMS symptoms. For example, fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness can be symptoms of both pregnancy and PMS.

    But if youre pregnant, there may be some telltale signs that its not PMS. For example, you may experience implantation bleeding.

    This is light spotting or bleeding that occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception, usually about a week before your period would usually start. This bleeding will be lighter and stop after one to three days.

    Other symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, and cramps could be symptoms of either PMS or pregnancy. Until you can take a home pregnancy test, it will be difficult to tell what is causing these symptoms.

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    How To Know When Your Period Is Coming

    This article was co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 25 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,447,174 times.

    Having your period is nuisance enough without the added stress of a surprise visit. While there’s no scientific method of determining exactly when your period will come, these methods below will help you estimate your menstrual cycle length and help you be prepared for the next one. Carrying pads or tampons around in your purse at all times is a simple but effective strategy to never be caught off-guard.

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