Health & Care Information The menstrual cycle is a natural physiological cycle that occurs in the uterus and ovary characterized by monthly bleeding culminating in the uterine lining being shed through the vagina. Period symptoms can range from mild to severe. Having a basic knowledge about what occurs during a period can help you deal with a multitude of unpleasant symptoms.In humans, the duration of a menstrual cycle in women varies from 21 to 35 days.However, average duration of menstrual cycle is 28 days.
Here are some common period symptoms that are experienced by most of the women during menstrual cycle.
Abdominal Cramps
Abdominal cramps are basically spasms of intestinal smooth muscles which are common and can be intense. The uterus is also composed of smooth muscles so, cramps are also feel in the area of uterus.The process of shedding the uterine lining results into sensation of dull or intense cramping pain. Some women are debilitated during the menses due to the severity of symptoms.
Breast Tenderness
Changes in level of female hormones during menstrual cycle may causes breast swelling and tenderness. The reason behind breast tenderness is that breast tissues are very sensitive to hormonal changes soreness is not uncommon.
Mood Swings
During menstrual cycle hormones level fluctuate frequently due to which many women experience mood changes including depression,anxiety, anger, feeling sad and even crying episodes.
Acne
Acne is very common problem in young women due to fluctuations in their hormone(estrogen) level especially during menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
Pain
In some cases pain is also associated with menstrual cycle. Muscle pain and backaches are common. Some experience more frequent migraine headaches during their period.
Food Cravings
Craving to a variety of foods can occur during the premenstrual and menstrual phase. Some women eat high caloric diet and other like to to eat spicy and salty foods like snacks.
Pelvic Pressure
Women may feel pelvic pressure during menstrual cycle due to fullness of the uterus and also engorgement of the pelvic veins is believed to contribute to this sensation.
Water Retention
Women may experience swelling of hands and feet due to water retention during menstrual cycle.
Backache
The low back can feel achy and tired during menses. Muscle aches in general are also reported.
Headache and Fatigue
Women suffering from migraine may experience acute attacks of cluster headache during menstrual cycle. Fatigue and malaise accompany premenstrual and menstrual periods.
Difficulty Concentrating
Cognitive disruption is common. Mood swings and difficulty focusing on tasks is part of the symptom complex associate with the menstrual cycle.
Other Period Symptoms
Other symptoms women may experience during menstrual cycle are fatigue and laziness that restrict women to accomplish even normal daily tasks. Some women with underlying psychiatric disorders experience an increase in symptoms during their menses.
