Premenstrual syndrome is a recurring pattern of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that begin during the second half of the menstrual cycle, usually in the last days before the period, and subside shortly after the period begins.
Increased appetite around menstruation is a real phenomenon, but there is an important clarification: according to research, peak hunger and cravings for certain foods most often occur not during the bleeding itself, but in the luteal phase - after ovulation and especially in the last days before menstruation.
During menstruation, bowel movements may indeed change: stools become more frequent or loose, rumbling, cramping, bloating, and sudden urges to go to the toilet occur.
Sleep before menstruation can actually become worse: it becomes more difficult to fall asleep, sleep becomes more shallow or intermittent, early awakenings occur, and for some, on the contrary, drowsiness and the need to sleep longer increase.
Weight loss can impact the menstrual cycle in two opposing directions. In overweight women with ovulation disorders, especially those with polycystic ovary syndrome, weight loss and lifestyle changes can sometimes make their cycles more regular.
Yes. Severe or prolonged psychological stress can alter the menstrual cycle: periods may be delayed, become irregular, or temporarily stop, and ovulation may shift or fail to occur.
After age 40, the menstrual cycle often shortens. This is most often due to age-related changes in ovarian function and a shortening of the first—follicular—phase of the cycle.
An increase in clear or whitish mucus discharge before and around ovulation is most often a normal physiological response to rising estrogen levels. Under the influence of estrogen, the cervix begins to produce more cervical mucus, making it more watery, slippery, and stretchy.
Lower abdominal pain around the middle of the menstrual cycle can indeed be associated with ovulation. This condition is called ovulatory pain, or Mittelschmerz.
