Yes, many girls and women can feel when their period is approaching. This is often due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual tension (PMT). Several physical and emotional changes can signal an impending period.
Signs Your Period is Coming
Many symptoms can act as indicators that menstruation is imminent. These can vary significantly from person to person, with some experiencing only minor changes while others experience more severe symptoms. Common signs include:
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Physical Changes:
- Tender, swollen breasts.
- Bloating and abdominal cramps.
- Fatigue and tiredness.
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
- Acne breakouts.
- Headaches or migraines.
- Food cravings.
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Emotional Changes:
- Mood swings.
- Irritability and easily losing your temper.
- Tearfulness and heightened emotional sensitivity.
- Anxiety or depression. As stated in a reference, "Mood changes, teariness and easily losing your temper can sometimes be an indicator that you are getting your period," this being referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual tension (PMT).
These changes are caused by fluctuating hormone levels in the body during the menstrual cycle. As stated in one source, "Changing hormones are to blame for many uncomfortable or unpleasant period signs." Another source notes that "There are many physical and emotional changes that can signal that your period is on the way, including tender breasts, mood changes, and tiredness." The severity of these symptoms varies widely among individuals. For some women, the experience may be mild, while for others, it's significantly more disruptive, impacting their daily lives.
The reliability of recognizing these premenstrual symptoms as a predictor of menstruation depends on the individual’s body and consistency of their cycle. While not every woman experiences these symptoms, or experiences them strongly, the presence of several indicators can suggest an upcoming period. Some women may develop a strong sense of their body's rhythms and become quite accurate at predicting their period onset.
