Your menstrual cycles will no longer hold any secrets for you

As a menstruating person, menstrual cycles are often essentially reduced to the occurrence of periods. We know our periods, their duration, their flow, and the solutions to respond to them. But we realize throughout life, and especially when we start planning a baby, that we know nothing about what surrounds periods: menstrual cycles . Periods are in fact only one stage of a well-oiled cycle that influences the body of menstruating people on a daily basis. What are menstrual cycles? How long are they? How can we influence them and why influence them? It is never too late to learn and understand what is happening inside us. In the following article, we answer all the questions you may have about your menstrual cycles.

What is a menstrual cycle?

Let's start with the basics. A menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs every month in menstruating people of reproductive age. This cycle begins with menstruation , followed by the follicular phase where an egg is created, ovulation where the egg is released, and the luteal phase. These stages are regulated by hormones and prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. What if the egg isn't fertilized? The cycle ends with menstruation and back to square one, a new cycle begins!

28 days, the average length of a menstrual cycle

A menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days . It is known that the average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and that this would be the “ideal” duration, however, this duration is a construct of doctors of the past. Women were often associated with the moon and lunar cycles last 28 days: it was thus “practical” to align the duration of women’s menstrual cycles with the lunar cycles.

In truth, some women have shorter menstrual cycles while others have longer menstrual cycles, without this being evidence of any medical condition or difficulty conceiving. Furthermore, cycle length and regularity can change throughout a woman's life.

How to calculate your cycles?

Because every woman is different and cycle lengths can change throughout her life, calculating your menstrual cycle length is a great way to get to know yourself better. The process is as follows: identify the first day of your cycle, count the days until the next cycle begins, and repeat for at least three cycles.

Identify the first day of your cycle

The first step is to identify the first day of your menstrual cycle. To make counting easier, we recommend selecting the first day of your period. Depending on your period, this may be spotting or actual blood flow.

Then count the days

From this first day of your period, it is now a matter of counting the days.

To do this, you can use a checkmark in a calendar/diary or you can use an app to track your cycle . See what makes your life easier, the goal is not to add mental load.

When your period comes back, a cycle has occurred: you just have to count the number of days it lasted.

Follow at least 3 cycles

Not all menstruators have the same cycle length—you may experience irregular periods. Furthermore, the length of your menstrual cycle changes over the years and depends on changes in your hormones (pregnancies, life stages, stress). That's why it's a good idea to track at least three cycles in a row to get an idea of ​​your average menstrual cycle length.

👉 Our tip for calculating your menstrual cycles

Consider using an app to track your cycle! It can also help you track and assess the duration of your period or the occurrence of ovulation.

What hormones are involved in female cycles?

The menstrual cycle of menstruating people is primarily regulated by five different hormones . Note: the hormones mentioned may have other roles in the human body and are not necessarily limited to their action on the menstrual cycle.

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (or FSH): FSH is produced by the pituitary gland (a gland located in the brain). It plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, as it stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovarian follicles.
2. Luteinizing hormone (LH): Like FSH, LH is also produced by the pituitary gland. In the menstrual cycle, it triggers the release of eggs. Under its influence, the mature egg leaves the ovarian follicle.
3. Estrogens: Estrogens, of which estradiol is the main component, are hormones produced primarily by the ovaries. As part of the menstrual cycle, they regulate the development of ovarian follicles (where eggs develop) and the uterine lining (also called the endometrium) in preparation for the eventual implantation of a fertilized egg.
4. Progesterone: Progesterone is a hormone produced in large quantities by the corpus luteum, a structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation. During the menstrual cycle, its function is to prepare the endometrium for implantation and maintenance of a possible pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum disappears, causing progesterone levels to drop and menstruation to begin.
5. Prolactin: While prolactin's primary function is to stimulate milk production after childbirth, it can also play a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. High levels of prolactin can inhibit ovulation.

Because they are central to the proper functioning of menstrual cycles, variations in the levels of these hormones can lead to menstrual irregularities or other health problems.

💡Want to learn more about the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle? We've put together a comprehensive and detailed article on the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle .

Menstrual cycles in 4 phases

The menstrual cycle of menstruating women is divided into four distinct phases : the menstrual phase (the most well-known and visible), the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. The days in parentheses are for guidance only; they vary greatly from one woman to another.

1. Menstrual phase (period) (days 1 to 5)

The first phase of the menstrual cycle is the menstrual phase, also called “menstruation” or “period.” This is the phase during which the body expels both the unfertilized egg and the endometrium (the uterine lining that has thickened to accommodate the fertilized egg).

Hormonally, this phase coincides with low estrogen and progesterone levels.

During this phase, women lose blood and blood clots. The amount of blood lost varies from woman to woman, her cycle, and her stage of life: on average, it is 30 to 40 milliliters. As for the duration of menstruation, it varies greatly from woman to woman: some people have periods that last two days, while others have periods that last more than seven days.

The menstrual phase is the most familiar phase for women because it is the visible phase. From puberty onwards, menstruating people learn to live with and manage their periods. Indeed, in addition to blood loss, various symptoms can affect women during their periods, making this period difficult to live through: stomach and headache pain, significant fatigue, etc.

To support you during your period, at Gapianne, we've selected effective products that are gentle on your body. These include Smoon period panties and other non-toxic hygiene products like menstrual cups !

Also read: Which hygienic protection should you choose? >

2. Follicular phase (days 6 to 14)

The second phase of the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase. This is the phase during which an egg develops to mature while the uterus gradually prepares to receive a fertilized egg (its wall thickens).

Hormonally, during this phase, estrogen levels increase, stimulating the development of ovarian follicles. One of these follicles becomes dominant and continues to develop while producing more and more estrogen. This prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.

During the follicular phase, cervical mucus (which can be likened to white vaginal discharge) is sparse, thick, and white in color. It closes the cervix to prevent sperm from passing through. In the 48 to 72 hours before ovulation, cervical mucus becomes more abundant, fluid, and stringy.

The follicular phase is the most unknown phase, and for good reason: with the exception of vaginal discharge, it has little real meaning for menstruating women. It's often the phase when women have the most energy and when symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are the most reduced.

3. Ovulation (approximately day 15)

The third phase of the menstrual cycle is also the shortest: ovulation . This is the phase during which a mature egg is released from the ovarian follicles. This egg, ready to be fertilized, can survive in the fallopian tubes and uterus for about 24 hours.

At the hormonal level, during this third phase, it is the increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels that triggers ovulation.

During ovulation, vaginal discharge continues to evolve. From compact, it becomes fluid, transparent, stringy, and abundant. It can be compared to egg white. Its role is to facilitate the path of sperm to the egg.

The ovulation phase occurs approximately midway through the menstrual cycle. Beyond the consistency of the white discharge that changes, it can be identified by menstruating women because of the pain it can cause. The release of the egg can cause spasms and pain in the lower abdomen.

4. Luteal phase (approximately day 16 to 28)

The fourth and final phase of the menstrual cycle is the longest: it lasts almost half the cycle alone. This is the luteal phase , the phase during which the body takes the time to observe what happens to the released egg – has it been fertilized or not? – in order to adapt to it. After ovulation, the empty ovarian follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum. The latter produces progesterone which prepares the body for the potential implantation of the fertilized egg by increasing the endometrium (the uterine lining). If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and the body expels the unfertilized egg and the endometrium produced: this leads to the start of menstruation… back to phase 1!

At the hormonal level, during this last phase, progesterone is produced in large quantities by the development of the corpus luteum within the empty ovarian follicle. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels decrease with the gradual disappearance of the corpus luteum.

During the luteal phase, after ovulation, women's white vaginal discharge changes again. This time, it becomes more compact, opaque, and pasty, almost lumpy. It remains this way until the onset of menstruation.

The luteal phase is the phase known today as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is a more or less difficult time for menstruating people who will experience different symptoms such as mood swings , even depression , painful cramps , acne , water retention, migraines, fatigue … The symptoms are numerous!

There are many natural solutions to relieve painful periods , such as dietary supplement treatments and herbal teas for periods formulated specifically to soothe your pain, soothing balms or serums for immediate relief.

Find all our natural solutions for menstrual pain, hormonal acne, and mood swings here.

Visualize better with our menstrual cycle diagram

Menstrual cycles are a time of general panic for your body. Hormones in action, organs in reaction, vaginal discharge, pain, and symptoms: rediscover, thanks to the diagram below, all the stages your body goes through!

When is my fertility at its peak?

A menstruating person's fertility is at its peak in the hours following ovulation, around the fifteenth day of the cycle (the fifteenth day before the actual onset of menstruation). Indeed, the released egg travels through the fallopian tubes in a perfect environment for fertilization. The woman's entire reproductive system is then focused on one goal: helping this egg meet a sperm (facilitating cervical mucus) and allowing it to attach itself to an environment favorable to its growth (developed endometrium) once fertilized.

Since the egg has a “lifespan” of 24 hours within the woman's body, it is at the time of its release that fertility is greatest and the risks of becoming pregnant are greatest. If you use a natural method of contraception, based on your body temperature (such as symptothermal method ) and monitoring your menstrual cycle (such as a basal thermometer ), this fifteenth day of the menstrual cycle is the most dangerous of the menstrual cycle .

If you want to know more about basal temperature during menstrual cycles , read our article!

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⚡Be careful though: although your menstrual cycle is regular, life's little ups and downs, like stress, can disrupt it. Two eggs can then be released at the same time or at different times in the menstrual cycle... making you fertile at unexpected times. While there are days when you are most likely to be fertile, it is possible that you will be fertile at other times in your menstrual cycle.

Can a menstrual cycle change over the course of a lifetime?

Let's not beat around the bush: yes, the menstrual cycle can change (enormously) over the course of a menstruating person's life . This is for various reasons related to age, but also to the joys and accidents of life (pregnancies, illnesses, stress).

Puberty

At the age of puberty, women experience their first menstrual cycles. These generally appear between the ages of 12 and 15. The first cycles are often irregular, and the first period is often uneven in duration. It takes time for the body to adjust. However, it is important to note that as soon as the first period occurs, a young girl is fertile and can become pregnant.

Diseases

Illnesses can cause changes in menstrual cycles. Anorexia is a condition often preceded by or associated with amenorrhea (absence of periods). Treatments associated with certain illnesses can also cause changes in cycles, both during treatment and, in the long term, after treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy is a period during which the menstrual cycle stops – with the exception of very specific cases, such as denial of pregnancy, during which some women continue to have their periods despite being pregnant.

It is widely known that breastfeeding is a means of contraception for women (this method is called LAM (Lactational Amenorrhea Method)). It acts on the production of the hormone prolactin, the presence of which can suppress ovulation in women.

⚡Although breastfeeding is considered a solution to slow ovulation and thus be a natural contraceptive, the period of menstruation is also, for some women, a very important time of fertility. It can therefore be dangerous to rely solely on breastfeeding to avoid another pregnancy.

The use of hormonal contraceptives

The pill, the hormonal IUD, or the hormonal implant are contraceptives that act on the woman's body to prevent pregnancy by using the power of hormones. They simulate a pregnancy in such a way as to block the release of new eggs and sperm access to the uterus.

Stopping or restarting hormonal contraception can cause changes in hormonal cycles.

💡Did you know? Periods triggered by hormonal contraception are not caused by the release of an egg and the uterine lining. They are artificially generated by hormonal contraception.

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can also cause menstrual cycles to change. These cycles can change in duration (becoming longer or shorter) or even stop altogether: periods can stop due to stress and anxiety. This is called amenorrhea, or the absence of periods.

Menopause

Menopause is the period when a woman stops having menstrual cycles, between the ages of 45 and 55.

During this time, significant hormonal changes occur in women's bodies. The ovaries begin producing less estrogen and progesterone, leading to the end of menstrual cycles and decreased fertility. The pituitary gland, a gland located in the brain, responds to the drop in estrogen levels by producing more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Increased FSH levels are often used as a diagnostic indicator of menopause. However, other hormones involved in hormonal cycles (estrogens, luteal hormones) also vary in number and quantity.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to menopause , consult our dedicated solutions including, among others: a hydrating and rebalancing intimate gel , anti-hot flash mist , and a natural treatment for hormonal imbalance .

💡 Want to learn more about the factors that influence menstrual cycles and lead to period disruptions? We've written a dedicated article to describe how menstrual cycles and periods change over the course of a menstruating person's life.

What symptoms can be experienced during menstrual cycles?

In recent years, premenstrual syndrome has become increasingly prominent. While it can cause a variety of discomforts of varying nature and intensity, it's not the only symptom that menstrual cycles can cause in women. Here's a list of all the issues you may encounter during your life as a menstruating person.

Many of the symptoms listed below can also be symptoms related to other illnesses: if you suffer from any of these, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare professional. They will be able to advise you and conduct additional tests to understand whether they are related to your cycle or any other illness, and also to treat them.

Comparative table of symptoms during menstrual cycles

Cycle phase	Common symptoms
Menstruation	Cramps, bleeding, fatigue, bloating, headaches, lower back pain, irritability, back pain
Follicular phase	Increased energy, better mood, increased libido, decreased bloating, brighter skin
Ovulation	Mild pelvic pain (mittelschmerz), elastic cervical mucus, peak libido, light bleeding, breast tenderness
Luteal phase	PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), fatigue, breast tenderness, irritability, changes in appetite, acne, insomnia, swelling of the feet or ankles, constipation or diarrhea

Pain and discomfort

The most well-known and commonly reported symptoms related to menstrual cycles are the pain experienced by menstruating people, both during and outside of their periods.

• Dysmenorrhea : Dysmenorrhea refers to excessive menstrual pain that usually occurs during menstruation. It is a relatively common symptom among menstruating people, but it can vary in severity and impact on quality of life.
  There are two main types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea , which is not related to a specific disease, and secondary dysmenorrhea , which is associated with an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic infections, or other gynecological problems. While primary dysmenorrhea tends to improve with age and pregnancy, this is not the case with secondary dysmenorrhea, which progresses with the diagnosis and treatment of the disease responsible for the pain. You can adopt a natural herbal cure to relieve this pain or, in case of severe pain, try the revolutionary electrostimulation device against period pain , which cuts off the pain message sent to the brain.
• Breast tenderness: One of the symptoms related to menstrual cycles is breast tenderness. According to women, this pain, which is often presented as a feeling of heaviness/swelling in the breasts, generally occurs during the luteal phase. It can occur from ovulation and end when the period begins, or last only a few days. Relieve your breast pain with Nideco's Tits Party or Miyé's Happy Body Serum , which has an immediate decongestant and soothing effect, also ideal for a tense stomach, heavy legs… .

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• Menstrual migraine also called catamenial migraine: Fluctuations in hormones linked to women's menstrual cycle can cause severe headaches.
• Ovarian cysts : Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled lumps found on one or both ovaries. Although often benign, their presence is abnormal and they can cause pelvic pain of varying severity. They are one of the possible causes of secondary dysmenorrhea.
• Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign tumors of the smooth muscle of the uterus. They can cause pain, abnormal uterine bleeding (outside of the menstrual phase), and sometimes cause urinary and bowel symptoms. They are one of the possible causes of secondary dysmenorrhea.
• Endometriosis : Endometriosis is a disease related to the functioning of the endometrium. The endometrium corresponds to the uterine lining. In a healthy woman, not carrying the disease, it develops during the luteal phase to accommodate the fertilized egg and provide it with a nest and disintegrates when the latter is not fertilized. But for reasons that are still poorly understood, some women have an endometrium that spreads outside the uterus, without reabsorbing, going so far as to create adhesions in the organs surrounding the uterus (notably the intestines). No treatment currently exists: the aim is to slow down the disease (notably by taking hormones) and to remove the endometrium (notably by surgery). This creates severe pain and can lead to infertility. There are various natural solutions against endometriosis for pain linked to endometriosis , the " endobelly ", swollen belly or bloating during periods or even the natural regulation of your cycles .
• More serious cases, bed rest : In some women, pain caused by menstruation and related to the function of their genitals can lead to bed rest for one or more days, without painkillers being effective. This can be regular (with each cycle) or more occasional: in fact, women's menstrual cycles can also be irregular due to the symptoms they cause.

Cycle disorders

Beyond the pain felt during the menstrual cycle, the menstrual cycle can also be disrupted and modified.

• Heavy menstruation (or Menorrhagia ): Menorrhagia is a particularly heavy and prolonged menstrual period. It is also referred to as hemorrhagic periods. While this symptom is often without serious cause or severity, the consequences can affect the quality of life of those affected (tasks, feelings of shame) and aggravate iron deficiency anemia.
• Light menstruation (or Hypomenorrhea ): Hypomenorrhea is particularly light and short menstruation. Like heavy periods, the factors are most often hereditary and not serious. It can lead to amenorrhea , the absence of periods.
• Absence of periods (or amenorrhea ): Amenorrhea is the absence of periods in a person of reproductive age. It is the most common symptom of pregnancy and menopause, but it can also be linked to illnesses, such as anorexia. It is important to consult your healthcare professional in case of amenorrhea to understand the causes.
• Menstrual irregularity : Menstrual irregularity is the fact of having cycles that vary greatly in duration (the number of days between periods varies). The duration of periods can also vary. Adolescents, newly menstruating, are often affected by menstrual irregularity, but this can continue. The factor can be heredity and the causes and consequences of menstrual irregularity are often not serious. They do not lead to infertility but can pose a problem in the context of a pregnancy project because the day of ovulation and fertility can be variable. To rebalance your cycles naturally, try a hormonal rebalancing treatment: Endo Balance in case of endometriosis, Ovastart in case of PCOS or Equilibre Féminin if neither of these two pathologies is diagnosed.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) : Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder that affects the ovaries in menstruating women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries and can have other symptoms and consequences such as menstrual irregularity and hormonal imbalances leading to various consequences such as acne, increased body hair (hirsutism) and hair loss. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Discover Ovastart , a specialized natural food supplement designed to regulate the cycle and alleviate the symptoms of women with PCOS.

Fragile mental health

“What do you have, are you on your period or something?” Mental health issues related to menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations in the bodies of menstruating people have been observed for a long time and are still ridiculed today. Yet, it is a very real condition that can significantly impact the lives of the women affected.

• Irritability, anxiety and depressive episodes: The variation of hormones in the body during the menstrual cycle can cause in some women either irritability with very significant mood swings or, on the contrary, great fatigue and loss of motivation. Some women can even go through moments of anxiety and significant stress or depression. In the most complicated cases, we can even talk about depressive episodes. Try a natural treatment to help you relieve these mood swings with Sova's serenity food supplements .
• Sleep problems: Due to all the symptoms mentioned in this list, women may experience difficulty falling asleep or getting restful sleep. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is indeed a common side effect of menstrual cycles. If you are concerned, find our special sleep solutions, including a good night sleep herbal tea from The French Herborist , or anti-stress CBD oil .

• Cravings and appetite disorders : As mentioned, the fluctuating hormones during the menstrual cycle affect women's moods. This can lead to appetite disorders (lack of appetite or increased appetite) and food cravings (women "eat their emotions"). Women with PCOS may have sugar cravings that are difficult to manage. Manage your sugar cravings and your blood sugar balance with Sova's Balance Your Sugars supplements.

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Physiological concerns

Menstrual cycles and their activity can have various physiological effects in addition to the pain experienced.

• Digestive problems: In the days leading up to menstruation and then during menstruation, many menstruating women experience digestive problems: feelings of bloating and digestive problems (diarrhea or constipation). This can add to the pain felt in the lower abdomen.
• Fatigue and weakness: During the luteal phase, many women feel more tired. This is a result of hormonal fluctuations in women's bodies, as well as all of the symptoms mentioned in this list: lack of sleep, pain and discomfort, and stress.
• Water retention: As their period approaches, many women feel bloated. Water retention can be one of the symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.
• Night sweats: In the days leading up to menstruation, the body temperature of menstruating people can increase. This is why body temperature can be monitored and used as a method of contraception or conception. This results in hot flashes (which are a symptom of menopause) and night sweats.

Skin problems

Skin problems are also a symptom of menstrual cycles.

• Hormonal Acne and Skin Breakouts : Acne pimples often appear during puberty, but not only there. Some women experience acne pimples (blemishes and cysts) appearing on their face as their period approaches and during the week of their period. Hormonal acne has the particularity of existing beyond puberty (women can have it up to the age of 40) and is particularly present around the jawline. Most often, acne is not a serious symptom of the menstrual cycle (although it can be a consequence of PCOS), but it can be bothersome in daily life and affect self-esteem. At Gapianne, we have unearthed specific natural products to manage hormonal acne. Find our tips and solutions here.
• Dehydration : Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly estrogen and progesterone levels, can affect skin texture and appearance. Some women may experience changes in skin quality, such as fluctuations in hydration, breakouts, and oilier or drier skin.

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Disorders of desire

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also impact sexual desire. Some women have a stronger desire to make love during the ovulation phase and/or the menstrual phase. Conversely, other women may experience a decrease in libido and not feel sexual desire for their partner at certain times of their cycle. A decrease in libido is also a symptom often mentioned when taking hormonal contraception (hormonal IUD, contraceptive pill, hormonal implant, etc.). Also note: all of the symptoms on this list (lack of sleep, fatigue, pain, migraines, or even mood swings) can also affect sexual desire. Find our ideas to boost your libido and some aphrodisiac solutions .

PMS and PMDD, syndromes that combine these symptoms

As we conclude this list of symptoms related to menstrual cycles, we felt it was essential to talk about two syndromes that bring together most of them: premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder . These two sets of symptoms refer to all the symptoms experienced by menstruating people as they approach the menstrual phase, that is, during the luteal phase.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and emotional symptoms that can occur in some women during the premenstrual phase of their menstrual cycle, or the luteal phase. For some women, PMS can last for two or three days before their period, while for others, it begins just after ovulation, or two weeks before their period. PMS is common but can vary greatly in severity and the types of symptoms experienced.

Symptoms of PMS may include:

• Emotional symptoms: Irritability, unstable mood, depressive episodes or even depression, anxiety and increased panic attacks, mood swings, increased sensitivity, difficulty concentrating, difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep;
• Physical symptoms: Intestinal problems (bloating, constipation and diarrhea), menstrual cramps, headaches, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, water retention, painful breasts, increased appetite, acne, etc.

Hormonal fluctuations and hormonal imbalances related to the menstrual cycle are thought to be the cause of these symptoms, which vary greatly from woman to woman, but also depending on their menstrual cycles and throughout their lives. Thus, a majority of women will not experience the same symptoms a few days before their period throughout their lives.

Concerned about the pain associated with PMS, at Gapianne we have looked for non-toxic products that will help you during difficult days: herbal tea for painful periods from French Herborist , oil for periods from Nidéco , specialized food supplements and even a treatment to soothe painful breasts .

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is also known as dysphoric premenstrual syndrome (DPS). PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that are more intense and disruptive than those experienced in normal PMS.

Symptoms of PMDD may include:

• Emotional symptoms: Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings (rapid mood changes), anger, confusion, increased sensitivity, feelings of hopelessness, etc.
• Physical symptoms: Fatigue, excessive sleepiness, bloating, headaches, muscle or joint pain, water retention, increased appetite, etc.

PMDD symptoms can be so severe that they significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone levels, are thought to be a contributing factor to these symptoms.

Disclaimer

Are the symptoms presented in this list familiar to you and making your life miserable? We highly recommend that you consult your primary care provider. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our directory of caring doctors shared by the Gapianne community . A primary care physician and gynecologist can support you, help you identify the medical causes of your suffering, if applicable, and provide relief. Suffering is not normal, and you have the right to seek solutions and answers.