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9 common side effects of periods

9 common side effects of periods

Most women experience symptoms before their period starts as part of premenstrual syndrome. These symptoms may occur five days and two weeks before their menstrual cycle begins. Some side effects may also occur during and after a period. For example, the pain experienced during a menstrual cycle can differ from one woman to the next. That said, here are nine common symptoms of periods that one should be mindful of.

Headaches
Studies show that more than 50 percent of women who get migraines report an association between their occurrence and period. The hormones in the body trigger the pain response. This is why fluctuating hormonal levels can trigger such painful headaches. For example, migraine attacks can occur before, during, or immediately following menstruation. Furthermore, some individuals can experience a migraine attack during ovulation.

Mood swings
One might experience multiple symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). And these could be much more taxing on their health than the physical side effects of periods. Before and during a period, the hormones rise and fall, which can affect a person’s mood. For example, one might experience side effects such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. While changes in one’s mood cannot be avoided, getting good sleep, avoiding caffeine, and staying active can help manage these effects.

Cramps
Abdominal (menstrual) cramps can begin in the days leading up to a period. These cramps can also last for days or longer once the period begins. They are usually a side effect caused by uterine contractions, which help shed the inner lining of the uterus when a pregnancy does not occur. One should note that the production of fatty-acid hormones called prostaglandins triggers contractions. For example, one might experience abdominal cramps from minor aches to extreme pain. And this might restrict them from participating in usual activities. While menstrual cramps occur in the lower abdomen, the pain could also extend toward the lower back and upper thighs.

Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom that occurs during a period. During the menstrual cycle, a hormone called prostaglandin is released. Most of the hormone sheds with the uterine lining; however, some prostaglandin enters the bloodstream, which leads to nausea. A woman may also experience other side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. In addition, individuals should speak to their healthcare experts about taking prescriptions to reduce prostaglandin production and manage the effects.

Bloating
If the stomach feels heavy and gassy a few days before the onset of a period, it could indicate PMS bloating. Alterations in progesterone and estrogen levels could cause the body to retain more salt and water than usual. The phenomenon results in a bloated-like feeling. While an individual might notice the scale going up by a pound or two, they should be mindful that PMS bloating isn’t permanent and should subside in two to three days after the period begins.

Bowel issues
The bowels are sensitive to hormonal alterations. So it is normal to experience changes in bathroom habits before and during a period. The prostaglandins in women trigger contractions in the bowels, just like their effects on the uterine lining. The similarity of symptoms occurs due to the proximity of the organs. Frequent bowel movements are one of the common side effects of these contractions. One may also experience gassiness, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

Lower back pain
Due to uterine and abdominal contractions, one can also experience muscle contractions in the lower back. Therefore, one might experience an aching or pulling feeling in this region. In addition, some individuals may experience lower back pain during a menstrual cycle, while others might feel mild discomfort.

Sleeping difficulties
A cooler body temperature is essential for better sleep. However, one’s body temperature may rise slightly during the onset of the period, which could also affect sleep quality. The core body temperature rises about half a degree after ovulation and stays constant until the woman starts menstruating. The temperature may also drop shortly after one gets their period. Other common effects of PMS that affect sleep include headaches, cramps, and mood swings.

Breast tenderness
Rise in progesterone levels in the middle of a period cycle, around ovulation, are common. The phenomenon makes the mammary glands in the breasts enlarge and swell. As a result, the breasts can swell up and be tender before or during the period. And this may occur even after the progesterone levels drop. In addition, some women might experience mild effects of these symptoms, while others may find their breasts to turn heavy or lumpy, causing severe discomfort.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Top 10 warning signs of poor blood circulation

Blood circulation is among the most crucial bodily functions. Red blood cells (RBCs) continuously supply freshly oxygenated blood to different organs, supporting all major metabolic, digestive, cognitive, and cardiovascular processes. Any interruption in this supply can trigger a chain reaction of complications, leading to poor health. Here are ten common signs of poor blood circulation that one must never ignore. Individuals should visit an expert immediately upon experiencing these symptoms to determine the underlying cause. Swelling Swelling is one of the first noticeable signs of poor blood circulation, which usually occurs in the hands and feet. It is accompanied by a warm sensation under the skin as the blood backs up and pools into a single area due to obstructions in arteries and veins. As blood circulation reduces, one might also experience numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. The numbness and tingling sensations are similar to what one experiences when pins and needles prick the skin. Dry skin Another visible symptom of poor circulation is dry skin. A lack of blood flow affects the regeneration of healthy skin cells, causing the old cells to crack up and form dry patches. If left unchecked, these dry patches can become infected and develop wounds that take time to heal. Without access to oxygen and vital nutrients from the blood, the cells also lose their structural integrity and begin to break down prematurely. Skin discoloration Poor circulation triggers discoloration of the skin. When blood cannot flow smoothly, it pools or collects at isolated spots, causing the skin to turn purplish red. These wounds look similar to bruises that develop due to a physical injury on the skin. Gas and bloating Poor blood circulation can affect metabolism, resulting in health complications like constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These disorders are known to trigger gas and bloating, among other symptoms. Poor circulation is also one of the main reasons why some people experience painful abdominal cramps. Muscle cramps The muscles do not receive sufficient oxygen when blood does not circulate properly. As a result, one may develop painful cramps in the hip, thigh, or calf muscles that affect mobility. The pain may develop gradually, but it can become unbearable with time as the circulation remains cut off. Hair loss The blood circulates under the skin, nourishing hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Poor circulation causes the follicles to be deprived of nutrients, which causes hair loss in the affected area. The loss is more evident around the feet and legs, with the hair first growing slowly and then thinning out permanently. Some adults might even experience premature hair fall and hair thinning on the head. Varicose veins The veins carrying blood throughout the body have tiny valves that automatically control circulation. If these valves fail to regulate blood flow, the resulting pooling and backing up can cause varicose veins. It is a common condition where the veins close to the skin's surface bulge, get discolored, and cause pain that becomes difficult to bear after some time. Poor cognitive function Blood circulation ensures essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals reach the brain and replenish the organ to preserve cognitive function. Poor circulation cuts off the nutrient supply to the brain, resulting in confusion, loss of concentration, memory problems, and other cognitive impairments. Poor circulation is a significant risk factor for chronic neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and Parkinson's. Fatigue Blood carries fresh oxygen to all body extremities, supporting vital functions and organs. Due to improper circulation, the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract do not receive the nutrition required to perform well. As a result, the body finds it hard to work, and one experiences fatigue. In most cases, fatigue develops slowly and affects a person's daily routine. Erectile dysfunction Men can achieve and maintain an erection only when the genitals receive sufficient blood supply consistently. Poor circulation impacts this function, causing erectile dysfunction. Damaged blood vessels and underlying chronic disorders like diabetes impact the severity of this condition. Individuals should not ignore these symptoms, as poor circulation can trigger severe health complications in the long run. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help manage the discomforts and improve one's quality of life. In order to support a healthy cardiovascular system, heart patients should also prioritize a nutritious food intake, especially when it comes to having breakfast. A healthy breakfast for heart patients can include whole grains, fruits, nuts, and low-fat dairy products, as these foods provide essential nutrients and promote optimal heart health. It’s ideal to opt for foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein.

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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

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