Bloating: Just like menstrual cramps, bloating is another common symptom experienced during menstruation. This happens because many hormonal changes occur near the abdominal area. Instead of loading up on all the fatty foods you crave, try keeping your diet light during this time.
Tender, painful breasts: It’s natural to think something is amiss when your breasts become unbearably painful and sometimes slightly lumpy. However, due to certain hormonal changes and progesterone secretion, the change affects the breasts and makes them tender during the menstruation cycle. If this continues after your period, it might be advisable to consult your doctor.
Skin breakouts: During your periods, your hormone levels change from female-oriented estrogen and progesterone to more male-oriented testosterone. Due to this, the oil glands increase and zits might appear on your face.
Water retention: The hormonal imbalance and increase in estrogen during menstruation often leads to water retention in your body. This is relatively normal and tends to pass once your menses is over.
Elevated body temperature: It’s possible that you might feel your body temperature warmer than usual during your menses. This is due to changes occurring in the ovaries. Doctors suggest that the warm body is a sign of ovulation and is a marker for pregnancy and your menstruation cycle.
Brown blood discharge: This can be freaky, but the good news is it is perfectly normal. The brown blood discharge during your period is because of oxidisation that occurs when the blood stays in the ovaries for a period of time and hence, changes colour.
Vaginal discharge: Many women might have a heavy vaginal discharge just before menstruation begins. This again is a result of hormonal changes in your body. As long as the vaginal discharge is odour-free and colourless, you have nothing to worry about.
Loose motions: During the first few days of your period, you might experience loose motions. This again happens due to hormonal changes. If this continues for more than a few days, consult your doctor.
Nausea: Sickness and vomiting during periods is normal. This happens due to the production of prostaglandins during the menstrual cycle. As the walls of the uterus contract, causing nausea and cramps.
Blood clots: If you experience small blood clots during menses, they are considered normal. However, if the blood clots are unusually big, you need to consult your gynaecologist.
