Mood Changes Before And During Periods
Many people will experience mood changes just before or during the first few days of their periods. These changes can include being a bit irritable or more sensitive, or feeling angry, anxious or even depressed.
This can be hard for your child and the rest of the family to cope with. Giving your child a bit more privacy and space around this time can make it easier for everyone, without making a big deal about it.
If your childs mood changes are upsetting or disrupting their everyday life, they might like to see a health professional, like the GP.
Things That Can Make Period Fatigue Worse
Period fatigue could also be caused by:
- Low iron levels. Sometimes heavy bleeding during a period could lead to anaemia due to an iron deficiency, and this can cause weakness and fatigue because iron is so important for carrying oxygen in the blood.
- Sudden changes in blood sugar. Some women may get certain cravings around their periods which can lead to eating too many sweets or food with added sugar. Eating food like this can cause a spike in blood sugar, followed by an energy crash.
- Disturbed sleep. If your period pain keeps you up at night, or mood changes make it hard to stay asleep, its natural to feel tired the next day.
If your fatigue is debilitating or interferes with your daily activities, or it doesnt go away after your period, talk to your doctor to get it checked out.
It Could Be Due To Implantation Bleeding
When a fertilized egg adheres to the lining of the uterus, there may be some light bleeding or spotting. It typically happens 1-2 weeks after conception and a few days before anticipated menstruation.
Because the blood remains in the body for a longer time during implantation bleeding, it appears significantly darker than during a typical period. 1525% of pregnancies experience implantation bleeding.
Also read: Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
Treatment
- Because implantation bleeding is a common pregnancy symptom and is usually not hazardous, there is no need for treatment.
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Vitamin C To A Speedier Period
It is believed that Vitamin C can help the production of estrogen. Estrogen thickens the lining of the uterus and causes the uterus to contract, which helps to trigger periods. Also, the hormone deprives your uterus of progesterone, and is what causes the lining of the uterus to shed.
Its easy to achieve this by taking vitamin supplements or by adding additional fruits and vegetables which are rich in Vitamin C to your daily diet. Grapefruit, oranges, papaya, and broccoli, as well as green bell peppers, and papaya are some of the many good food sources for Vitamin C.
Things That Can Make Mood Swings During Your Period Worse
Although the cause of PMDD is unclear, there are a couple of theories as to why some women have worse mood swings and experience more severe forms of mood disorders around their periods, such as:
- having an underlying case of depression
- being very sensitive to hormonal changes
If you find your moods are extreme or you have suicidal thoughts, discuss your symptoms with your doctor as soon as possible.
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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.
When Will I Have Another One
After your first period, your second one can be pretty unpredictable, too. Most people expect it one month after the first period, but in reality, its pretty normal for it to happen anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months after your first period.
Once youâve had a few periods, the best way to predict future ones, is to write down the dates of every period you have and count how many days there are from the start of one period to the start of the next. That tells you your cycle length. Obviously youâll need to have a few periods before you can do this, but it is super helpful for staying aware and prepared!
When you keep track of your periods like that, itâs called âperiod trackingâ . There are lots of ways to track your periods. You can write them on a calendar, in a journal or notebook, or use a period tracker. Make sure you record the day you start and every day you have your flow. You might also want to note when your flow is heavy and when it is light. This is the best way to know your flow so you can be aware and prepared!
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What Are The Signs You Are Getting Your Period
Women usually start noticing physical and mood changes about 1-2 weeks before period bleeding starts. Ninety percent of women have premenstrual syndrome symptoms at some point in their reproductive life. Some women 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 itâs unclear to what extent.
Period signs and symptoms usually end about 3-4 days after bleeding begins.
Common signs that your period is approaching are:
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Craving For Different Foods:
Cravings are common during pregnancy. Your hormones cause you to crave for certain foods when you are pregnant. This happens every month just before a few days when you going to bleed. You may crave very sweet or spicy food.
Women usually time their periods as they repeat a cycle of occurrence during the month. However, most women face problems of irregular periods in which it becomes difficult to determine which will be the exact day when the periods will give them a wake up call. For such women, the above list of symptoms shall serve the purpose of helping them to identify that day. The good part about these symptoms is that they are easily identifiable and are also very common among all women. One can easily ascertain when she will start to bleed and plan her day accordingly. Nobody wants to be surprised by the untimely or unexpected arrival of this inseparable friend of women. It may cause women to get embarrassed or feel uncomfortable. After reading this article, you can analyse if you have the signs your period is coming tomorrow.
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Period Symptoms And Pain
When your childs period is coming, they might have a range of physical symptoms, including sore breasts, pimples and greasy hair. Your child might also have a sore tummy, feel sick or have diarrhoea.
Period pain and these associated symptoms are common. If your child gets a sore tummy, back or legs before or during their period, your child could try:
- taking pain medication
- putting a hot water bottle on their lower stomach
- walking or other light exercise
- eating smaller meals more often
- resting and relaxing, particularly with their legs elevated, or lying on one side with knees bent
- lightly massaging the lower stomach
- having warm drinks like hot milk or herbal tea.
Very painful periods are common, as are symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. But if your child has period pain that disrupts everyday activities, they should see their GP. Hormone treatments that regulate periods or even turn them off for a while are safe and very effective.
What Should I Do If My Child Is Experiencing Unusual Bleeding
If your child does need additional care due to abnormal periods, the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital has resources that can help. We have providers who specialize in pediatric gynecologic care, to help adolescents feel comfortable and safe in their changing bodies, as well as a clinic that specializes in treating blood disorders in young adults. The Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic where patients can see a pediatric gynecologist and a pediatric hematologist at the same convenient appointment.
Menorrhagia is the clinical term for heavy periods. Very heavy periods can sometimes be a symptom of an inherited bleeding disorder, such as von Willebrand disease. Very heavy periods also can also contribute to anemia and other health issues. Our providers deliver specialized care to determine if there are underlying causes of a very heavy period and work with families to determine what treatment options will work best for them.
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Breast Pain And Swelling
Do you experience increased pain in your breast before your period starts? Do you notice your breasts are slightly larger before your period?
Before period, some women may experience breast pain and swelling. This is a sign of period coming soon. Some women may have a lump in their breast that disappears after period starts.
Changes in the breast before your period is due to the effect of hormones. Hormones Estrogen and progesterone, will cause your ducts to enlarge and your glands to swell.
In women with a 28-day menstrual cycle, breast tenderness usually occurs 4 days before period .
What to do?
- Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can ease your breast pain
- If your breast pain is persistent, you should talk to your doctor
How Do I Prepare For My First Period
There is no way to make your first period come any quicker, but you can prepare for when it does! If youve experienced some of the above signs, your period may soon start, so you may want to keep some towels in your school bag and a spare pair of knickers close just in case. It is absolutely normal to be caught off guard and leak, whether its your first period or your hundredth! Theres no need to be embarrassed as it happens to us all!
Read Also: Is It Easier To Get Pregnant On Your Period
Your Breasts Feel Tender
Its common for breasts to feel extra sensitive, or even sore, on the days leading upto a period. Breasts can feel sore and swollen due to the fluctuating levels of hormones, explains Dr. Kallen. Why? Estrogen enlarges breast ducts, and progesterone causes milk glands to swell. Both combined can make your breasts feel pretty tender.
Remember, its important to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Ideally, examine them in the days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender. Bear in mind that breast tenderness before your period is normal, but if you have other concerns about your breasts or notice a change, you should see a health care professional.
Signs Your Period Is Coming: The Takeaway
Everybodys experience of PMS symptoms is unique. And lets be honest: Managing PMS is not exactly a walk in the park. The good news is that most PMS symptoms should start to taper off as your period starts.
Tracking your cycle in Flo can be a useful tool for gathering information you can pass on to a doctor for a PMS or a PMDD diagnosis. Its also a great way to gain more control over your cycle. It helps you understand when your next period is coming and enables you to understand what factors like a lack of sleep or drinking too much coffee may intensify PMS symptoms. Recognizing the signs can help you prepare for your next period, and it can allow you more time to listen to your body and practice a bit more self-care.
References
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My Period Just Started What Should I Do
If youve started your period and dont have something to use for the blood, try not to worry. You can fashion a temporary pad out of toilet paper to hold things over until youre able to get a proper pad or tampon.
Heres how:
If youre at school, you may consider asking your teacher or nurse for a pad or tampon. Theyve been asked before trust us.
Your first period may only last a couple of days. Your first period . .
It may take a couple of months for your period to settle into a regular schedule and consistency.
Once it does, your period may last anywhere from two to seven days each month.
Although a persons first few periods are often light bringing a few spots of red-brown blood throughout the week you may have a heavier flow.
Your monthly period will follow a more consistent pattern once your hormones stabilize.
Heavier bleeding isnt necessarily cause for concern. But if you feel like youre losing too much blood, tell your guardian or talk to the school nurse.
You should also tell a trusted adult if you:
You Start To Grow More Pubic Hair
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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.
Check If You Have Heavy Periods
You may have heavy periods if you:
- need to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more often than is recommended
- need to use 2 types of sanitary product together, such as a pad and a tampon
- have periods lasting more than 7 days
- pass blood clots larger than about 2.5cm
- bleed through to your clothes or bedding
- avoid daily activities, like exercise, or take time off work because of your periods
- feel tired or short of breath a lot
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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.
What To Do When You Get Your Period
Before you start getting periods it is good to be prepared for when it eventually comes. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to talk with your mother or sister or someone else in your family who can help you to prepare. Meanwhile here are some tips for when you do start bleeding.
- Keep a period kit somewhere handy. This is because you might get your period unexpectedly or forget its due. Keeping some painkillers, sanitary products and a spare pair of underpants in your bag, at school or at work can be a lifesaver.
- Enjoy life as much as possible. Its safe and often possible to do all the things you would normally do. Its also okay to have sex when you have your period, but if youre using a tampon youll need to take it out first.
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