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The Side Effects of Having Your Period That Are Completely Normal

It’s normal to experience some degree of discomfort in the days leading up to your period and for the first day or two of bleeding, although some fortunate women have no discomfort. For most women, these symptoms, while annoying, are easily managed and do not interfere with day-to-day living.

There are over a hundred symptoms that have been attributed to menstruation, and these may change over time and from cycle to cycle. Normally, discomforts associated with menstruation should be manageable enough that you can carry on with your normal life. However, for some women, symptoms are so severe that it becomes difficult to carry out the normal tasks of daily life. Here are some of the normal physical symptoms of menstruation:

1. Tender breasts

2. Muscle aches

3. Joint pain

4. Headaches

5. Acne

6. Abdominal cramps

7. Diarrhea or constipation

8. Lower back pain

9. Trouble sleeping

10. Low energy, fatigue

11. Bloating, fluid retention

Painful symptoms such as cramps, backache, and tender breasts can usually be relieved by over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen.