If there’s anything worse than a period, the pre-period symptoms are a winner. Women start experiencing PMS from five to eleven days before their period. Older teenage girls experience more severe PMS than younger teens. It is more common among women between 20 years to 40 years. Pre period symptoms vary from one woman to another. Here are the top 10 pre-period symptoms and their quick remedies:
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- Mood Swings
The worst part about PMS for most women is mood swings. The quick transition from anger, irritability, and crying spells is typical before a woman gets her period. Some women also struggle with memory and concentration during the days leading up to their period. The best way to deal with period mood swings is to get adequate sleep. Exercise is also beneficial as it triggers serotonin secretion in the body, which can elevate mood.
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- Pain
Pre-period symptoms often include pain in different parts of the body. It can be joint pain, muscle pain or abdominal pain. Daily exercise can help in avoiding this pain. Light exercise during periods also provides relief from menstrual cramps.
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- Fatigue
Most women experience fatigue before getting or during their period. Exercise elevates the energy levels of women before their period. Eating well and taking adequate rest are also mandatory to reduce fatigue.
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- Bloating
Bloating and gassiness are quite common in women during the days leading up to their periods. Maintaining a balanced diet and taking proper rest can help in reducing bloating. Consuming magnesium supplements is also a great way to get rid of bloating.
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- Acne
Many women experience acne flare-ups during the days leading up to their period. Keeping their face clean and using a good moisturiser can reduce acne flare-ups. Women should also refrain from popping out pimples to prevent further growth.
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- Food Cravings
Most women notice a rise in their appetite during the few weeks before their period. Chocolate cravings before periods indicate a low magnesium level. While chocolates are rich in magnesium, they are also the reason behind unnecessary weight gain. Instead, you should focus on consuming healthy sources of magnesium like leafy vegetables, peanut butter and whole grains.
If you are unable to resist your chocolate cravings, choose dark chocolate. Women with unusual food cravings before their period should try eating six small meals in a day. It helps to keep blood sugar levels in control and reduces cravings.
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- Constipation
Women often start experiencing constipation before getting their period. Following a fibre rich diet helps in reducing constipation. Women experiencing constipation before the period should also drink loads of water.
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- Diarrhoea
While some women experience constipation, others experience diarrhoea during the days leading up to their period. Cutting down caffeine intake is the best solution to prevent diarrhoea.
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- Headaches
Women who suffer from headaches before their period should focus on staying hydrated. It is also necessary to sleep for eight hours to avoid headaches and stress.
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- Anxiety
Anxiety is a common pre-period symptom. Women with a record of depression and anxiety are more likely to experience PMS. Anxiety can be controlled with yoga and meditation, which helps in making the mind calm.
Closing Thoughts
Whether it’s period mood swings or food cravings, there are healthy ways to deal with every PMS symptom. If your PMS symptoms are becoming unmanageable, consult a doctor immediately. Sometimes they indicate other diseases or conditions which require immediate treatment.