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The characteristic menstrual pain is a nightmare for many women. It turns out, however, that even more completely unexpected symptoms may arise during your period. Check if you also have these complaints.
- Not all women are aware that some of their problems are related to menstruation.
- The list of such unexpected symptoms includes i.a. flatulence and diarrhea
- Check what else she may feel during her period
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.
The menstrual cycle – how long does it take and what phases does it consist of?
The menstrual cycle has four phases that affect your entire body. It is counted from the first day of menstruation. The most important role during the cycle is played by hormones, the amount of which is dictated by subsequent phases.
During menstruation, estrogen levels are low. However, during the next phase – the follicular phase – the body releases a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the eggs to grow and mature. According to Dr. Elizabeth Poynor, a surgeon and oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, estrogen levels keep increasing until ovulation occurs, when the ovaries release eggs and progesterone production increases.
The level of this hormone continues to rise during the luteal phase and then the so-called PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. At the end of this stage, estrogen and progesterone levels drop very quickly, causing bleeding. And so the cycle begins anew.
The above phases serve specific reproductive purposes. Nevertheless, they affect not only the uterus. Dr. Poynor argues that each of us has different hormonal fluctuations. The symptoms associated with the entire cycle may also be different. See what – apart from bleeding and menstrual pain – you can face.
- Also check: Is pre-period nausea normal?
The rest of the article under the video.
Unusual symptoms of menstruation
Arthralgia
Dr. Poynor explains that there are estrogen receptors in muscles and cartilage. Therefore, changes in the levels of this hormone can affect muscles and bones. According to research, estrogen is closely related to our pain threshold. It may happen that if there is less of this hormone in our blood, we become more sensitive to pain. If you are feeling surprisingly sore and your body is tight, you should take a warm bath. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also provide relief.
Headaches and dehydration
If you often have a headache just before or during your period, don’t be in doubt – it’s your period. There is a decrease in estrogen associated with this. It can even trigger very painful migraines. Estrogen and progesterone affect neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. Hence the headaches and mood swings that we observe during menstruation.
- See also: Is a pre-period headache normal?
However, migraines during your period can also occur due to dehydration. According to a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Physiology, estrogen and progesterone affect how our body stores and uses water during the menstrual cycle. In addition, dehydration may lead to lower pain resistance. That is why it is so important that we remember to drink plenty of water during periods and more.
Swelling and pain in the breasts
During your period, you feel like your bra has stopped fitting well? It is not the fault of poorly fitting underwear. The culprit, of course, is menstruation. Increased breast tenderness is very often observed in women during their period. This is due to the increased level of progesterone that occurs during the luteal phase. This hormone often causes water retention as well. Hence the additional swelling and pain in the breasts.
According to the Mayo Clinic, estrogen and progesterone also stimulate the mammary glands and ducts in the breasts. This is irrespective of whether you are pregnant or not. It also makes your breasts extremely tender.
Back pain and stiffness
There is a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin. It is she who causes uterine contractions. It can also affect the back muscles and cause pain, explains Amy Roskin, a midwife and gynecologist.
What can bring you relief in such a situation? A warming pillow that will stimulate blood vessels and expand them. Thanks to this, the blood flow in your body will improve. And that will help reduce the pain. You can buy a warming pillow at Medonet Market.
In addition, it is also worth reaching for ibuprofen, which limits the action of prostaglandin.
Diarrhea and gas
If you’re struggling with stomach problems, gas or diarrhea, your cycle may be the culprit once again. At least this is the result of the research carried out in 2014, which was published in the pages of “BMC Women’s Health”. It was attended by 156 women who regularly have periods. As much as 73 percent. of them reported one or more gastrointestinal problems. In 28 percent diarrhea appeared.
Where does this dependency come from? Fluctuations in hydration and hormone levels can contribute to the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. It is related to the amount of released gases and the speed of movement of the remains of undigested food. Hormones and water have an influence on this.
Additionally, the colon and lower colon may experience friction as the uterus contracts during menstruation. This movement, due to the proximity of the colon and pelvic floor to the uterus, can make your stools softer and cause you to defecate more often.
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