Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow to Tell It’s ComingLate PeriodsSymptoms But No PeriodPMDD Signs to KnowManaging SymptomsWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How to Tell It’s Coming
Late Periods
Symptoms But No Period
PMDD Signs to Know
Managing Symptoms
When to Seek Medical Care
Physical and emotional changes in the days leading up to your period (menstruation) are known aspremenstrual syndrome (PMS). Signs and symptoms of PMS include weight gain, diarrhea, irritability, and cramping.
Most people who menstruate have about one period per month. A menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, and a normal cycle can vary from 21 to 35 days.
This article discusses signs that tell you your period is coming, reasons for a late period, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
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Period Coming on Time: How to Tell
Everyone who menstruates experiences PMS symptoms differently. The signs can range from mild to severe. For most people, PMS symptoms tend to worsen in the late 30s and 40s asperimenopauseapproaches.
Cramping
One of the most common signs that your period is coming is cramping in the lower abdomen. As theuterusprepares to shed its inner lining, it causes muscle contractions that feel like pelvic cramping. You may notice bloating and gas as well.
Digestive Issues
The hormonal changes that occur in the days and weeks leading up to your period may cause gastrointestinal problems. You may experience constipation ordiarrhea, changes in your appetite, and food cravings.
Aches and Pains
Your body releasesprostaglandins, chemicals that stimulate smooth muscle contraction right before your period comes. Prostaglandins are responsible for the uterus’s contracting during your period. They can also causeheadaches, backaches, andtender breasts.
Mood Changes
Fatigue
It’s common to feel especially tired before your period. In the week before your period, you may notice daytime sleepiness and trouble sleeping at night. Hormonal changes cause these symptoms.
People with certain chronic health conditions may experience an increase in symptoms before their periods. PMS can worsen the following chronic conditions:DepressionAnxietyIrritable bowel syndrome(IBS)Chronic fatigue syndromeBladder pain syndromeAsthma and allergiesMigraines
People with certain chronic health conditions may experience an increase in symptoms before their periods. PMS can worsen the following chronic conditions:
Late Period: Can You Tell It Isn’t Coming?
Research found about 5% to 35.6% of people who menstruate have experiencedirregular periods.You are most likely to experience irregular periods when you first start menstruating, as well as in the years leading up to perimenopause andmenopause.
Late periods are common if you are experiencing the following:
6 Common Questions About Your First Period
People who arebreastfeedingmay experience late or absent periods. Breastfeeding releases the hormone prolactin, which affects the body’s ability to ovulate and menstruate.
Feeling Like a Period Is Coming But No Period
There may be a month when you have signs of your period but never get your period. Some health conditions cause symptoms similar to PMS, which can include:
Some early signs ofpregnancyfeel like PMS. These symptoms include:
Talk with a healthcare provider if your period is more than six weeks late, and consider taking apregnancy testif needed.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD) is a condition that is similar to PMS but is much more severe. Symptoms include:
PMDD symptoms usually occur a week or two before your period and resolve a few days into your period. PMDD symptoms are generally so severe that they affect your ability to function in your daily life.Fortunately, there are treatments available to help.
A Word From VerywellI recommend patients with PMDD journal their symptoms and their menstrual cycle to help with diagnosis and target treatment options. Most people will need a combination of treatment/lifestyle changes to manage symptoms successfully.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
I recommend patients with PMDD journal their symptoms and their menstrual cycle to help with diagnosis and target treatment options. Most people will need a combination of treatment/lifestyle changes to manage symptoms successfully.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
I recommend patients with PMDD journal their symptoms and their menstrual cycle to help with diagnosis and target treatment options. Most people will need a combination of treatment/lifestyle changes to manage symptoms successfully.
—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How to Manage Symptoms Before a Period Starts
Period symptoms can feel very uncomfortable. However, there are lifestyle changes and treatments available that can ease your discomfort and increase your energy.
To manage your period symptoms, consider the following lifestyle changes:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for period cramps, headaches, and backaches include Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Aspirin.
Prescription medications that may improve period symptoms include:
Supplements that have been linked to improved period symptoms include:
How to Reduce PMS Symptoms
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most people who menstruate experience some symptoms leading up to their periods. If your symptoms become severe enough to affect your ability to function or enjoy life, see a healthcare provider immediately. There are treatments available to ease your pain or discomfort. Call a provider if you notice your periods have become irregular or late.
Summary
Signs of a period coming often include bloating, cramping, headaches, tender breasts, irritability, and fatigue, which occur one to two weeks before a period. This is referred to as premenstrual syndrome.
If your period is late or absent, you may be experiencing a health condition such as chronic stress, obesity, diabetes, PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, or pregnancy. If your PMS symptoms feel severe or affect your ability to function in your daily life, you may be experiencing premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to ease PMS symptoms. Lifestyle factors include daily exercise, a healthy eating plan, improved sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco smoke. If you need help managing PMS symptoms, see a healthcare provider.
16 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.
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