Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsIrregular PeriodsTiming Before BleedingSings for a Late PeriodComorbid Flares

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Irregular Periods

Timing Before Bleeding

Sings for a Late Period

Comorbid Flares

As your body prepares for menstruation (your period), you may experience physical and emotional changes about two to 10 days before your period begins. Known aspremenstrual syndrome(PMS), these telltale symptoms—from bloating and mood swings to breast tenderness and headaches—can serve as signs your period is coming.

signs of period image with text listing common premenstrual symptoms

Symptoms of Period Coming

Most menstruating people experience premenstrual symptoms in the days or weeks leading up to their period.Some people may experience mild symptoms a day or two before their period starts, while others may have more severe symptoms that happen one to two weeks beforemenstruationbegins.

Signs vs. SymptomsWhen it comes to your period, the terms “signs” and “symptoms” are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings:Signsare observable changes or indicators others can notice, such as bloating, breast swelling, or skin breakouts before menstruation.Symptomsare sensations only the person experiencing them can feel, such as cramps, fatigue, headaches, or mood swings.Both signs and symptoms help signal that your period is on the way, but symptoms are more subjective, while signs are more visible or measurable.

Signs vs. Symptoms

When it comes to your period, the terms “signs” and “symptoms” are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings:Signsare observable changes or indicators others can notice, such as bloating, breast swelling, or skin breakouts before menstruation.Symptomsare sensations only the person experiencing them can feel, such as cramps, fatigue, headaches, or mood swings.Both signs and symptoms help signal that your period is on the way, but symptoms are more subjective, while signs are more visible or measurable.

When it comes to your period, the terms “signs” and “symptoms” are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings:

Both signs and symptoms help signal that your period is on the way, but symptoms are more subjective, while signs are more visible or measurable.

Most Common

As levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone rapidly decline as your body prepares for menstruation, you may develop common premenstrual symptoms, which typically go away within a few days after your period starts. These symptoms can be physical or emotional (psychological).

Common physical signs your period is coming include:

Common emotional or psychological PMS symptoms include:

Less Common but Still Possible

Premenstrual symptoms tend to worsen in your 30s and 40s as menopause approaches, and some people may develop new (to them) symptoms they did not experience in their teens or 20s.In some cases, these less common symptoms may be overlooked or mistaken for unrelated issues, but they are due to hormonal changes in your body during the premenstrual phase.

Less common PMS symptoms include:

How to Tell With Irregular Periods

The average menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, though regular cycles can range between 24 and 38 days. Some menstruating people can precisely predict the day their period will start.But if you have irregular periods—whether due to perimenopause, hormonal birth control, thyroid hormone imbalances, or an underlying condition likepolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) oruterine fibroids—it can be harder to anticipate when your period will start.

Without a predictable cycle, tuning in to your body’s subtle signals can provide clues about when your period is coming. Paying attention to patterns over time can also help, even if the timing is less predictable. Here’s how:

PMS and PMDD: Timing Before Bleeding

While about 90% of menstruating people experience PMS symptoms in the days leading up to their periods, approximately 5% of them have a more severe condition known aspremenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD).

PMDD is a hormone-based mood disorder that causes severe anxiety, depression, and irritability. In addition to typical PMS symptoms like bloating and cramping, PMDD symptoms include:

PMDD symptoms typically last one to two weeks and gradually subside within a few days after your period. It is uncommon for PMDD symptoms to persist for more than two weeks, but it can happen if your symptoms begin around ovulation and continue into the early days of bleeding.

Without proper treatment, PMDD symptoms can worsen over time and contribute to ongoing anxiety and depression, especially if the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt daily life.

Are There Signs for a Late Period?

Some possible reasons for a late period include:

Irregular Periods & Seeking Medical CareIf you consistently have menstrual cycle irregularities or suspect you have an underlying condition affecting your period, it’s important to seek medical attention. It’s unfortunately common for people with periods to feel dismissed or not taken seriously when they first visit a healthcare provider to discuss menstrual cycle concerns.Issues like irregular periods, severe PMS, or suspected underlying conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis are sometimes downplayed as “normal.” Delayed diagnosis and treatment can prolong your discomfort, so advocating for yourself is important. Ask questions, seek second opinions if necessary, and continue pushing for comprehensive care until your concerns are adequately addressed.

Irregular Periods & Seeking Medical Care

If you consistently have menstrual cycle irregularities or suspect you have an underlying condition affecting your period, it’s important to seek medical attention. It’s unfortunately common for people with periods to feel dismissed or not taken seriously when they first visit a healthcare provider to discuss menstrual cycle concerns.Issues like irregular periods, severe PMS, or suspected underlying conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis are sometimes downplayed as “normal.” Delayed diagnosis and treatment can prolong your discomfort, so advocating for yourself is important. Ask questions, seek second opinions if necessary, and continue pushing for comprehensive care until your concerns are adequately addressed.

If you consistently have menstrual cycle irregularities or suspect you have an underlying condition affecting your period, it’s important to seek medical attention. It’s unfortunately common for people with periods to feel dismissed or not taken seriously when they first visit a healthcare provider to discuss menstrual cycle concerns.

Issues like irregular periods, severe PMS, or suspected underlying conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis are sometimes downplayed as “normal.” Delayed diagnosis and treatment can prolong your discomfort, so advocating for yourself is important. Ask questions, seek second opinions if necessary, and continue pushing for comprehensive care until your concerns are adequately addressed.

Comorbid Flares Before Period

Many people with mental health and chronic conditions may experience a flaring up of symptoms in the days leading up to their period. Known as premenstrual exacerbation (PME), hormonal fluctuations before your period can trigger increased sensitivity and inflammation and worsen symptoms of these conditions.

Some conditions associated with PME include:

Summary

Recognizing and understanding the signs that your period is on the way can help you better manage premenstrual symptoms. While mild to moderate PMS symptoms like bloating, cramping, and mood swings typically appear two to 10 days before your period, more severe symptoms or prolonged symptoms may be a sign of PMDD.

While PMS symptoms are common and are considered a normal part of the menstrual cycle, you do not have to suffer in silence through more severe symptoms. If your symptoms impact your quality of life, see a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options.

20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Menstruation.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.National Library of Medicine.Sign or symptom.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.My periods have changed. Is menopause around the corner?Falcone D, Richters RJ, Uzunbajakava NE, et al.Sensitive skin and the influence of female hormone fluctuations: Results from a cross-sectional digital survey in the Dutch population.Eur J Dermatol. 2017;27(1):42-48. doi:10.1684/ejd.2016.2913Khosravisamani M, Maliji G, Seyfi S, et al.Effect of the menstrual cycle on inflammatory cytokines in the periodontium.J Periodontal Res. 2014;49(6):770-776. doi:10.1111/jre.12161U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Your menstrual cycle.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes menstrual irregularities?The Nemours Foundation.Irregular periods.Najmabadi S, Schliep KC, Simonsen SE, et al.Cervical mucus patterns and the fertile window in women without known subfertility: a pooled analysis of three cohorts.Hum Reprod. 2021;36(7):1784-1795. doi:10.1093/humrep/deab049NHS UK.Irregular periods.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.Can PMDD symptoms last longer than 2 weeks a month and get more severe over time? Can PMDD cause chronic anxiety and depression?Seattle Children’s.Menstrual period - missed or late.NI Direct.Stopped or missed periods.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Empowering women in their health journey.Ornello R, De Matteis E, Di Felice C, et al.Acute and preventive management of migraine during menstruation and menopause.J Clin Med. 2021;10(11):2263. doi:10.3390/jcm10112263JUpToDate.Patient education: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (beyond the basics).The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.What is PME?

20 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Menstruation.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.National Library of Medicine.Sign or symptom.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.My periods have changed. Is menopause around the corner?Falcone D, Richters RJ, Uzunbajakava NE, et al.Sensitive skin and the influence of female hormone fluctuations: Results from a cross-sectional digital survey in the Dutch population.Eur J Dermatol. 2017;27(1):42-48. doi:10.1684/ejd.2016.2913Khosravisamani M, Maliji G, Seyfi S, et al.Effect of the menstrual cycle on inflammatory cytokines in the periodontium.J Periodontal Res. 2014;49(6):770-776. doi:10.1111/jre.12161U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Your menstrual cycle.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes menstrual irregularities?The Nemours Foundation.Irregular periods.Najmabadi S, Schliep KC, Simonsen SE, et al.Cervical mucus patterns and the fertile window in women without known subfertility: a pooled analysis of three cohorts.Hum Reprod. 2021;36(7):1784-1795. doi:10.1093/humrep/deab049NHS UK.Irregular periods.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.Can PMDD symptoms last longer than 2 weeks a month and get more severe over time? Can PMDD cause chronic anxiety and depression?Seattle Children’s.Menstrual period - missed or late.NI Direct.Stopped or missed periods.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Empowering women in their health journey.Ornello R, De Matteis E, Di Felice C, et al.Acute and preventive management of migraine during menstruation and menopause.J Clin Med. 2021;10(11):2263. doi:10.3390/jcm10112263JUpToDate.Patient education: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (beyond the basics).The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.What is PME?

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

MedlinePlus.Menstruation.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.National Library of Medicine.Sign or symptom.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.My periods have changed. Is menopause around the corner?Falcone D, Richters RJ, Uzunbajakava NE, et al.Sensitive skin and the influence of female hormone fluctuations: Results from a cross-sectional digital survey in the Dutch population.Eur J Dermatol. 2017;27(1):42-48. doi:10.1684/ejd.2016.2913Khosravisamani M, Maliji G, Seyfi S, et al.Effect of the menstrual cycle on inflammatory cytokines in the periodontium.J Periodontal Res. 2014;49(6):770-776. doi:10.1111/jre.12161U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Your menstrual cycle.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes menstrual irregularities?The Nemours Foundation.Irregular periods.Najmabadi S, Schliep KC, Simonsen SE, et al.Cervical mucus patterns and the fertile window in women without known subfertility: a pooled analysis of three cohorts.Hum Reprod. 2021;36(7):1784-1795. doi:10.1093/humrep/deab049NHS UK.Irregular periods.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.Can PMDD symptoms last longer than 2 weeks a month and get more severe over time? Can PMDD cause chronic anxiety and depression?Seattle Children’s.Menstrual period - missed or late.NI Direct.Stopped or missed periods.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Empowering women in their health journey.Ornello R, De Matteis E, Di Felice C, et al.Acute and preventive management of migraine during menstruation and menopause.J Clin Med. 2021;10(11):2263. doi:10.3390/jcm10112263JUpToDate.Patient education: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (beyond the basics).The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.What is PME?

MedlinePlus.Menstruation.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

MedlinePlus.Premenstrual syndrome.

National Library of Medicine.Sign or symptom.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.My periods have changed. Is menopause around the corner?

Falcone D, Richters RJ, Uzunbajakava NE, et al.Sensitive skin and the influence of female hormone fluctuations: Results from a cross-sectional digital survey in the Dutch population.Eur J Dermatol. 2017;27(1):42-48. doi:10.1684/ejd.2016.2913

Khosravisamani M, Maliji G, Seyfi S, et al.Effect of the menstrual cycle on inflammatory cytokines in the periodontium.J Periodontal Res. 2014;49(6):770-776. doi:10.1111/jre.12161

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Your menstrual cycle.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes menstrual irregularities?

The Nemours Foundation.Irregular periods.

Najmabadi S, Schliep KC, Simonsen SE, et al.Cervical mucus patterns and the fertile window in women without known subfertility: a pooled analysis of three cohorts.Hum Reprod. 2021;36(7):1784-1795. doi:10.1093/humrep/deab049

NHS UK.Irregular periods.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.Can PMDD symptoms last longer than 2 weeks a month and get more severe over time? Can PMDD cause chronic anxiety and depression?

Seattle Children’s.Menstrual period - missed or late.

NI Direct.Stopped or missed periods.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health.Empowering women in their health journey.

Ornello R, De Matteis E, Di Felice C, et al.Acute and preventive management of migraine during menstruation and menopause.J Clin Med. 2021;10(11):2263. doi:10.3390/jcm10112263J

UpToDate.Patient education: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (beyond the basics).

The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders.What is PME?

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?