Most women will associate their time of the month with gut-wrenching stomach cramps.
Those horrible monthly pains can last for days with a hot water bottle and some painkillers there to save the day.
But there are more indicators for periods, like migraines and tender boobs too, reports RSVP Live.
Some of the signs might make a lot of sense to your time of the month, while others are unexpected.
Here are six little things to look out for to tell you that your period is due.
How do you usually deal with your period pains? Let us know in the comments section below…
(Image: Getty Images)
Migraines caused by period
Many women suffer from bad migraines in the lead up to their period and the pain can be even worse than cramps.
Migraines are associated with the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle – estrogen and progesterone.
Apparently “menstrual migraines” can last between two days before a period starts and three days after.
Unusual poos
Bowel movements can also change during your period.
During the first few days your body releases the chemical prostaglandins, which makes the uterus contract.
But the prostaglandins sometimes stray over to the bowel, so it also contracts.
Mira Kaga, an internal medicine physician, said the rush in prostaglandins can cause diarrhoea and increased bowel movements.
(Image: Getty Images)
Craving sugar
You might have noticed the sudden craving for sugar on your period.
Dr Deb Laino, a licensed sex therapist in Delaware, said serotonin levels tend to deplete before the start of a period.
He claimed cortisol (a hormone released when you’re stressed) rises.
The expert Cosmopolitan: “Sugary and fatty foods tend to give a burst of serotonin.
“The same thing with cortisol. Cortisol goes up under stress – you’ll start to crave salty foods.”
Tender boobs
There’s a good chance your boobs might become a lot more tender in the lead up to your menstrual cycle.
Gynaecologist Alexa Dweck said breast swelling can sometimes occur over the course of an entire week.
And it’s not uncommon to go up a bra size because of the rising progesterone levels.
Weight gain
A spike in the hormone progesterone can happen on your period too.
For most females, the fluctuation resolves within a few days of starting a period.
Exercise is harder
While many females find exercise helpful around their period, but it can also make things harder.
With progesterone levels high, it leaves a lot of females out of breath faster and just generally fatigued.
Most doctors recommend you take it a little easier during your period.
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