Periods. We all know the drill: cramps, bloating, mood swings – the usual suspects. But there’s a whole world of weird and wonderful (well, maybe not wonderful) symptoms that can pop up during your menstrual cycle. Here are 5 surprising period symptoms you might not have known about:
1. Breakouts: Ever wonder why you get those pesky pimples right before your period? Blame the hormonal shift! Estrogen and progesterone levels drop before menstruation, leading to increased oil production and – you guessed it – breakouts.
2. Brain Fog: Feeling forgetful or struggling to concentrate? You’re not alone. Fluctuations in hormones can affect brain function, leading to temporary memory issues and difficulty focusing.
3. Sleep Disruptions: Can’t seem to catch those precious Zzz’s during your period? Hormonal changes can disrupt your sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
4. Food Sensitivities: Do your usual favorite foods suddenly taste off during your period? This can be due to heightened senses of smell and taste. You might also experience cravings for specific foods, thanks again to those pesky hormones!
5. Metallic Taste: Ever experience a strange metallic taste in your mouth during your period? This is a less common symptom, but it can happen. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to hormonal changes affecting your sense of taste.
Every body is different, and you might not experience all (or any) of these symptoms. If you’re concerned about any unusual changes during your period, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you identify patterns in your symptoms and predict when they might occur. There are many free apps available to help you with this.