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Symptoms Before a Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation is the process when the body gets rid of the material lining the uterus. This material is there to allow a fertilized egg to attach on to the wall, producing a fetus. Most women develop emotional, physical or mental symptoms the week before menstruation. The cause of these symptoms is unknown, but there are ways to prevent or lessen the problem.

  1. Behavioral

    • Many women begin to feel subtle changes in their mood and behavior the week leading up to their menstrual cycle. Women that experience symptoms may notice sudden mood swings ranging from anger all the way to depression and crying. Along with emotional changes, some have a hard time concentrating and are often nervous and forgetful. Others experience insomnia and a decreased libido, which could also be factors in the emotional changes.

    Physical

    • The complaints about the physical symptoms of the menstrual cycle range from the vain to uncomfortable to just painful. Acne and overeating are both common symptoms the week before. Some of the more uncomfortable symptoms experienced may be nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Some women are aware of their oncoming cycle from cramps or headaches that sometimes last through the menstrual cycle.

    Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

    • Though premenstrual symptoms are common, a small number of women develop symptoms that are debilitating. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD is when the normally mild symptoms are severe, disrupting their lives with severe changes in moods and behaviors or unbearable pain. If suffering from any severe symptoms, it is important to discuss them with a doctor to help determine a treatment method.

    Treatment

    • When experiencing symptoms, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Midol, vitamins or prescribed medications can help to relieve them. Vitamins E and B may help with breast tenderness, fatigue and mood swings. Prescribed antidepressants for some women with severe mood swings to take a couple weeks leading up to their cycle are another option. Many women depend on the use of oral contraceptives to regulate symptoms and control irregular menstrual cycles. The oral contraceptive YAZ is the only birth-control pill shown to help treat and decrease emotional and physical symptoms related to PMDD.

    Prevention

    • Preventative changes in lifestyle may also help to prevent or modify menstrual symptoms. Taking a daily multivitamin and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and salty foods help lessening symptoms. When choosing what to eat, it is important to incorporate fruits, vegetable and calcium rich foods into smaller, but more consistent, meals. Along with dietary changes, incorporating exercise multiple times a week for at least 30 minutes helps to reduce symptoms of depression or fatigue.

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