Common Menstruation Symptoms

Menstruation symptoms of some degree have been reported in as high as 80% to 90% of menstruating women.

But first, remember that menstruation is not a disease, which
presents with signs and symptoms. Normal menstruation is a physiologic
process that is part of the normal body processes of a menstruating
female.

The terms symptoms or signs used in this context
therefore is not to describe abnormal or pathological menstruation but
rather what a woman can feel in her body as a indication that
menstruation is about to occur or is occurring.

Common Signs Of Menstruation

Normal menstruation can have some slight discomfort. The distinction
between normal menstruation and menstruation disorder should be
carefully made, with respect to the type and severity of symptoms. Any
symptom that is severe, discomforting and interferes with your daily
life is considered pathological or abnormal. This is what will
distinguish the normal menstruation symptoms from diseases such as
menstrual cramps or PMS.

Note also that some of these symptoms may
occur before you begin to see menstrual blood. In fact some women will
know that their periods are on the way when they notice some of the
other symptoms.

Common symptoms that indicate impending or concurrent menstruation includes

1. Vaginal bleeding.
   This is very obvious to all and it remains the cornerstone symptom of
   menstruation. It is the only normal bleeding in the human body. It has
   its characteristics and when these are not right, it may be abnormal.
   Normal menstrual bleed should be bright red, without clots,
   non-offensive( no bad odor) and about 80ml in volume( learn this from
   the number of pads you use each day).
2. Lower abdominal discomfort.
   When blood pools in the uterine cavity, the uterine muscle contract to
   give a little push to expel the blood into the vagina. This might be
   sensed as a little lower abdominal discomfort. Not every woman feels
   this and even amongst those who experience it, the intensities are not
   the same. When this discomfort or pain becomes intense and interferes
   with your life, it is called menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea.
3. Breast fullness and discomfort. Some women notice that as their periods approaches, their breast kind of swell up and even cause a little discomfort.
4. Mild irritability
5. Menstrual headaches. There might be slight headache in some women. Others experience a more severe headache called menstrual migraine.
6. Abdominal symptoms such as constipation, bloating( feeling of abdomen being full of gas), nausea or even diarrhea in some women.

Any Treatment?

If you have severe symptoms during menses, you may probably be having
PMS, menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding or any of the other menstrual
cycle problems. The treatment or symptom relief depends on what
particular symptom is bothersome to you. Do not suffer from any symptoms
and neglect receiving the appropriate treatment. Always consider
meeting a doctor if there is a major abnormality in your menstruation.

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