What is Impending Menstruation?

Impending menstruation is a specific health condition which many women feel during the period before expected next menstrual period.

The terminology “impending” means something will happen soon (in close future).

The medical terminology “menstruation” means period of menstrual cycle (end of menstrual cycle) when women experience monthly uterine bleeding (so called “period”).

So “impending menstruation” means woman is about to get her next menstrual period – impending menstruation just means that your period is about to start.

Impending Menstruation Symptoms

Millions of women experience impending menstruation but symptoms could be different and strength of symptoms also could vary. Symptoms of impending menstruation could vary from one woman to another one (depending on age, women sensitivity, hormonal levels, personal feelings and health status).

Most common symptoms of Impending Menstruation are well known – you just need to pay special attention to all changes in your body.

Mood Swings

Women’s emotional status can be noticeably affected by an impending menstrual cycle. Female hormones play crucial role in mood swings – especially during pre-menstruation period. Since menstruation has lots to do with the hormones of the body, mood swings are predictable. Just before the start of period, girls and women could feel tense and could be irritable (even without any apparent reason).

Appetite Changes

Some women feel dramatic appetite change during pre-menstruation period – this symptom is widely vary between women. Some women could experience a loss in appetite before the start of a period and others could experience food cravings. Either way, change in appetite is an indicator for beginning of menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Pain/Cramps

Teenagers and young women experience pre-menstrual cramping very often – menstrual cramps can range from mildly annoying to severely painful. Usually menstrual pain/cramps start 1-2 days before period and continue during first 1-2 days of the period. Sometimes the pain intensity may be so severe that their normal routine gets disturbed before and during menstruation.

Breast Tenderness

Most women fell slight swelling and increased sensitivity of breasts during pre-menstrual period – just like early pregnancy symptoms, the breasts may become fuller and sensitive to touch as the period date comes near. Sometimes women could complain of generalized pain in the breasts before their menstruation begins.

Increased Fatigue

Increased fatigue is observed in women with intensive menstruation. Increased fatigue is a general symptom manifested during menstruation, particularly because of blood flow and other bodily changes. Nevertheless, some feel low stamina levels and weakness, even before the start of their periods.

Water Retention & Bloating

Water retention is a common symptom of impending menstruation – some women feel bloated before and during menstruation/period. Many girls and women could have difficulty to fit into favorite jeans shortly before period because during this period they can swell up, gain a little weight, and retain water.  This feeling also tends to make you feel bloated.

Acne

Acne appearance could be a signal for soon starting menstrual period because dramatic hormonal changes during last days of the menstrual cycle can trigger acne development. It is well known that the main cause for acne eruption is hormonal change. Some girls and women always noted small pimples or acne pop up on face or bright red splotches all over the face just before period – this is a common example of hormone triggered acne outbreak.

Upset Stomach

Abdominal discomfort and stomach upset are notable symptoms of Impending Menstruation. During the pre-menstrual days some women feel bloated and gassy. Constipation can occur in some women, while others may experience diarrhea or nausea. Sometimes stomach problems can be accompanied with nausea and dizziness.