How To Tell If You Get Your Period

Youve Upped Your Workout Intensity

A strenuous exercise regimen can also cause missed periods. This is most common in those who train for several hours a day. It happens because, whether intentionally or not, youre burning way more calories than youre taking in.

When you burn too many calories, your body doesnt have enough energy to keep all its systems running. More strenuous workouts can increase hormone release that can affect your menstruation.

Periods typically go back to normal as soon as you lessen training intensity or increase your caloric intake.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a set of symptoms caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Many people with PCOS do not ovulate regularly.

As a result, your periods may:

• be lighter or heavier than standard periods
• arrive at inconsistent times

Other PCOS symptoms can include:

• excess or coarse facial and body hair
• acne on the face and body
• weight gain or trouble losing weight
• dark patches of skin, often on the neck creases, groin, and underneath breasts
• skin tags in the armpits or neck

Breast Pain Or Tender Breasts

Tender breasts or breast pain are common period or pre-period symptoms. Tenderness or pain due to menstruation can:

• Feel like a dull, heavy or aching pain that can range from mild to severe.
• Begin up to two weeks before the period, get worse with time and then go away once the period is over.
• Affect both breasts and can even spread to the area around the armpit.

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Can I Get A Flu Vaccine At The Same Time As My Booster

Yes, according to the CDC. There’s no recommended waiting period between the seasonal flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccines.

The flu vaccines for the 2022-2023 season have been updated, and the CDC considers September or October good months for most people to get their flu shot.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Irregular Periods May Occur After Miscarriage Pregnancy Loss

Also referred to as a spontaneous abortion, a miscarriage happens when an embryo or fetus dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. After 20 weeks, pregnancy loss is considered a stillbirth. After these events, it can take a couple of months before you will start having regular periods again, says Lynn.

How Long Is A Typical Menstrual Cycle

The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but each woman is different.2 Also, a womans menstrual cycle length might be different from month-to-month. Your periods are still regular if they usually come every 24 to 38 days.3 This means that the time from the first day of your last period up to the start of your next period is at least 24 days but not more than 38 days.

Some womens periods are so regular that they can predict the day and time that their periods will start. Other women are regular but can only predict the start of their period within a few days.

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The Most Common Sign Of Early Pregnancy A Missed Period

Your menstrual cycle is your bodys way of preparing for a possible pregnancy each month. Part of that is the thickening of your uterine lining, which is where a fertilized egg would implant to begin a pregnancy.

If youre not pregnant, your period is how your uterus sheds that extra lining. If you are pregnant, that lining stays put and you dont get your normal flow. This is why a missed period is often the earliest sign of pregnancy.

Of course, a delayed or missed period doesnt always mean youre pregnant. If your body is under a lot of stress or you have a hormonal imbalance, you could be experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle.

Can Medications Cause Vaginal Bleeding

Some medications, such as anticoagulants can make you more likely to bleed. If you are taking an anticoagulant and are experiencing vaginal bleeding, you should speak to your doctor right away. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Hormone replacement therapy after menopause can sometimes cause irregular bleeding. This is not a cause for concern and should settle down after several months.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is also common when you start using hormonal contraception . If it does not go away or is bothering you, talk to your doctor.

Abnormal bleeding can also occur when you change or stop your hormonal contraception.

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When Does A Girl Usually Get Her First Period

The average age for a girl in the United States to get her first period is 12.6This does not mean that all girls start at the same age.

A girl may start her period anytime between 8 and 15. The first period normally starts about two years after breasts first start to develop and pubic hair begins to grow. The age at which a girls mother started her period can help predict when a girl may start her period.

A girl should see her doctor if:

• She starts her period before age 8.
• She has not had her first period by age 15.
• She has not had her first period within three years of breast growth.

Get more information for girls about getting their period at girlshealth.gov.

What Are The Symptoms Of A First Period

Some tweens or teens may not notice symptoms before they get their period, while others may experience premenstrual syndrome for a few days leading up to their period. Do PMS symptoms suck? Yes, yes they do. But the good news is theyre temporary. PMS symptoms can include abdominal bloating, breast soreness, acne, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, feeling extra emotional or irritable, food cravings, or clear or white vaginal discharge. You know, all the fun stuff.

by Womens Health Specialists | Aug 16, 2021 | General

Your little girl is growing up! Signs of her age are apparent from simply observing changes that begin to happen before she even gets her first period. Most girls start to menstruate between ages 10 and 15 years old, with an average age of 12. But, changes often start a couple of years sooner. Talking with your daughter about what to expect and reassuring her these changes are normal is key. Here are some signs and symptoms of puberty that you and your daughter will notice before menstruation begins:

• Breast buds She may experience pain or firm bumps in or behind her nipples, signaling the first signs that breast buds are developing. The areola may look bigger or puffy. You can expect her period to start about two years after her breast buds develop.

• Pubic hair Once her pubic hair starts growing, you can expect her period to develop in one to two years. It may begin soft and thin but it will become courser and thicker towards the end of puberty.

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Frequently Asked Questions Expand All

If these problems do not go away after treatment or if you cannot go to school or do your normal activities, you should talk to your doctor.

Article continues below

Timing Of Implantation Bleeding

The 2-week waiting time from ovulation to the next menstrual period can be pretty frustrating if youre hoping to be pregnant. Interpreting the signs correctly can be tricky, but luckily, sometimes timing in addition to the symptoms above can help you pinpoint whats going on.

Implantation bleeding and menstrual bleeding dont happen at quite the same time. Implantation bleeding happens a bit earlier than when you would expect to get your period.

Lets walk through the timing, so you can compare dates on your calendar. Day 1 of your menstrual cycle is the first day of your last period. Most women with normal cycles ovulate, releasing an egg from the ovaries, around day 14 to 16.

The egg itself is only viable for about 24 hours after being released, but sperm can live inside your body for 3 to 5 days. Its hard to know exactly when fertilization occurs, but the fertilization window is likely the 6 days sandwiched around ovulation.

The fertilized egg then implants into the uterine wall around days 22 to 26 of your cycle. If your body follows a 28-day menstrual cycle, you wont get your period until after day 28.

So, if youre bleeding earlier and lighter than normal, theres a good chance its implantation bleeding, not your period.

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Signs Your Period Is Coming Tomorrow

Menstrual cramps are a widespread symptom before periods start. It’s the first and one of the most noticeable signs your period is coming tomorrow. Menstrual cramps typically occur in the lower part of the abdomen. They can also occur closer to your back and upper thighs.

Contents

Have you been feeling moody, sensitive, and have a slight throbbing pain in your abdomen? Women are no newbies to these symptoms as theyre some of the common signs your period is coming tomorrow. But just like anything else, even periods can be unpredictable.

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 dont 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.

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You Have Menstrual Cramps

Looking for signs your period is coming tomorrow? Menstrual cramps are a pretty good indicator. Period-related stomach cramps are most likely caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that tell your uterine muscles to contract during your period, Dr. Kallen explains. Sometimes, those contracting muscles can create pain that radiates to your lower back.

Some people are more likely than others to experience these kinds of symptoms in the lead up to their period. One study on more than 3,000 women, published in the Journal of Womens Health, found that those with higher levels of inflammation in the body during their monthly flow were more likely to experience cramps and back pain.

But dont always dismiss cramping as something thats just part and parcel of having a period. If youre experiencing pain that stops you from going about your day, speak to a health care professional. They can help you find ways to feel better and make sure the pain is not due to any other problem. Severe lower back pain and cramping may even be associated with an underlying health condition, like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, says Dr. Kallen.

How Can I Keep Track Of My Menstrual Cycle

You can keep track of your menstrual cycle by marking the day you start your period on a calendar. After a few months, you can begin to see if your periods are regular or if your cycles are different each month.

You may want to track:

• Premenstrual syndrome symptoms: Did you have cramping, headaches, moodiness, forgetfulness, bloating, or breast tenderness?
• When your bleeding begins: Was it earlier or later than expected?
• How heavy the bleeding was on your heaviest days: Was the bleeding heavier or lighter than usual? How many pads or tampons did you use?
• Period symptoms: Did you have pain or bleeding on any days that caused you to miss work or school?
• How many days your period lasted: Was your period shorter or longer than the month before?

You can also download apps for your phone to track your periods. Some include features to track your PMS symptoms, energy and activity levels, and more.

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What To Do If Your Period Is Delayed

If your period is late, the first step is to complete out a pregnancy test from the pharmacy. If you havent had a period for more than 3 months and you cannot identify the cause, you should go to a gynecologist so that he or she can identify the cause and treat the problem. In some cases, the use of medication is recommended to stimulate your period.

The doctor may order bloodwork to assess progesterone and prolactin levels, which may help to identify the reason for this delay and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Also, depending on what is causing your period delay, you may need to reduce the intensity of physical exercise, take it easy, avoid stress and maintain a varied and balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. These are all factors that contribute to a regular menstrual cycle.

It is also recommended that you see your doctor regularly to identify possible health problems or diseases such as polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, anorexia, bulimia, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, all which can cause changes to your menstrual cycle.

Abdominal Bloating Gas And Pain

Do you feel your abdomen is swelling up just before period?

Abdomen bloating is swelling and tightening experienced by women which could occur for many reasons. If you are expecting your period, a hard, distended and tight abdomen may indicate your period will start soon.

Other causes of bloating are pregnancy, anorexia nervosa , ovarian cyst and hormone imbalance.

What to do?

• Take more fiber diet like vegetables and fruits
• Drink plenty of water every day
• Avoid meals that contain beans and cabbage

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What Is A Normal Amount Of Bleeding During My Period

The average woman loses about two to three tablespoons of blood during her period.8 Your periods may be lighter or heavier than the average amount. What is normal for you may not be the same for someone else. Also, the flow may be lighter or heavier from month to month.

Your periods may also change as you get older. Some women have heavy bleeding during perimenopause, the transition to menopause. Symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding may include:

• Bleeding through one or more pads or tampons every one to two hours
• Passing blood clots larger than the size of quarters
• Bleeding that often lasts longer than eight days

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

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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Can I Get Pregnant

Although the onset of menstruation is widely regarded as the start of your reproductive years, its possible to become pregnant before youve had a period.

It all comes down to your hormones. In some cases, your body may begin to release ovulation-causing hormones long before it triggers the start of menstruation.

And when you do begin menstruation, its possible to get pregnant if you have sex during your period. It ultimately comes down to where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Talk to a trusted adult or reach out to your healthcare provider if:

• You havent started your period by age 15.
• Youve had your period for about two years and it isnt regular.
• You experience bleeding between your periods.
• You experience severe pain that prevents you from completing daily activities.
• Your bleeding is so heavy that you have to change your pad or tampon every one to two hours.
• Your periods last longer than seven days.

If you call to make an appointment, tell the person whos scheduling it that youre having problems with your period.

They may ask you to write down details about:

• when your most recent period started
• when your most recent period ended
• when you first noticed your irregular bleeding or other symptoms

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