What happens before you get your period is a natural part of the menstrual cycle that every woman experiences. Understanding the signs and symptoms that precede menstruation can help you better manage your cycle and anticipate what to expect. In this article, we will explore the various changes that occur in your body before your period begins.
The menstrual cycle is a complex process that involves the ovaries, uterus, and hormones. On average, a woman’s menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person. The cycle can be divided into four phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and menstruation.
During the follicular phase, which typically lasts about 14 days, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to stimulate the ovaries to produce follicles. These follicles contain eggs that mature and develop. As the follicles grow, the ovaries produce estrogen, which thickens the lining of the uterus in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
This increase in estrogen can lead to several changes in your body before you get your period. One of the most common symptoms is breast tenderness. As estrogen levels rise, the breasts may become swollen and sore. This is due to the growth of milk ducts and the accumulation of fluid in the breast tissue.
Another common sign is mood swings. Estrogen and progesterone, another hormone that peaks during the luteal phase, can affect your mood. You may feel irritable, anxious, or even depressed during this time. This is because these hormones can alter the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, which are responsible for regulating mood.
Increased estrogen levels can also cause bloating and water retention. This is because estrogen can affect the balance of fluids in your body, leading to swelling in your abdomen, breasts, and other areas. You may also notice that your clothes feel tighter or that you have gained a few pounds.
One of the most noticeable signs of the approaching period is an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge is usually clear or white and may become more abundant as your period approaches. It’s a normal part of the menstrual cycle and serves to keep the vagina clean and free of infection.
Ovulation, which typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, is another significant event before your period. During ovulation, the mature egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube. This can cause a sharp pain, known as mittelschmerz, in one side of your lower abdomen. Ovulation also triggers a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which can lead to a temporary increase in fertility.
As the luteal phase begins, the remaining follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the thickened lining of the uterus and prepares it for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will degenerate, leading to a drop in hormone levels and the start of menstruation.
Understanding what happens before you get your period can help you identify the signs of your upcoming menstruation and take steps to manage any discomfort or inconvenience. By recognizing these changes, you can better prepare for your period and ensure that you are comfortable and confident throughout the cycle.
