Menstrual Period Symptoms – knowmycycle.com



I.	Test Your Knowledge


II.	The Phases of the Menstrual Cycle


III.	About Your Period


IV.	Symptoms Related to Your Cycle


>	PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome
>	PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder


V.	Managing Your Cycle


VI.	Contraception and Your Cycle


VII.	Glossary

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Chapter IV:
Symptoms Related to
Your Cycle

Your Menstrual Cycle and How You Feel

Women can experience both physical and emotional symptoms throughout their menstrual cycle.[14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2]

In addition to knowing about the phases of the menstrual cycle, and the hormones involved in the changes that the body goes through each month, it’s important to understand the variety of symptoms you may experience.^{11. Starr, p. 300A, 307A; 18. Speroff, p. 531-532; 25. Stoll, p. 957A; 26. Lucky, p. 424A}

These physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the menstrual cycle can impact each woman differently. They can range from a minor inconvenience to a major disruption. Some women may find that their symptoms are severe enough to keep them from their daily activities.^{46. Dean, p. 652 Table 2, 3; 16. ACOG. Committee on Gynecologic Practice, p. 80}

A number of symptoms can be associated with the menstrual cycle. Generally, these symptoms fall into one of two categories: physical or emotional.^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}

Physical Symptoms

Some of the common physical symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle include:

Breast tenderness ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Bloating ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Headache ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Swelling of the extremities ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Cramps^{18. Speroff}

Emotional Symptoms

Some of the emotional symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle include:

Depression ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Angry outbursts ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Irritability ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Anxiety ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}

Confusion ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Social withdrawal ^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, PMS p. 2}
Mood changes ^{18. Speroff, p. 531-532A}

You may find that your cycle affects your body throughout the month in more ways than just your period. Use the cycle calendar to help chart your symptoms month to month.

Are you experiencing any of the above symptoms? If you’re unsure, start by charting your symptoms with the cycle calendar. You may find that your menstrual cycle affects your body throughout the month in more ways than just your period. Once you’ve charted the way you feel, take action by finding out how you can manage your cycle or share your results with your health care professional during your next visit.

Learn more about symptoms that can be related to your cycle:

PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome
PMDD – Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

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