< Back to the Blog
Guidance

8 Common Period Symptoms — And How to Get Relief

Hannah Berman
Hannah Berman

Hormone changes during your luteal phase can cause many period symptoms before and during your period. Symptoms like insomnia, weight fluctuations, and vocal changes can be related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

No items found.
Modified On:
Published:
Apr 15, 2023
Est. Read Time:
0
Published:
Jul 2, 2025
Est. Read Time:
0

Hormone changes during your luteal phase can cause many period symptoms before and during your period. Symptoms like insomnia, weight fluctuations, and vocal changes can be related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Guidance
Share to:

Hormone changes during your luteal phase can cause many period symptoms before and during your period. Symptoms like insomnia, weight fluctuations, and vocal changes can be related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Ah, PMS, the unwelcome monthly visitor. Due to the flush of hormones accompanying your menstrual cycle, you may be used to being bedridden with cramps once a month, at turns irritable and inconsolable. However, not all period symptoms get the same amount of press. Several lesser-known symptoms of your menstrual cycle are more subtle or seemingly unrelated, and there’s a chance you’ve never noticed them happening in your body.

Luckily, not all of these period symptoms will negatively impact your life, but for those that do, we have advice about how to get relief.

8 common period symptoms

Your weight might fluctuate

People often talk about feeling bloated during their period, but did you know that your weight fluctuates depending on your menstrual cycle?

Progesterone, which surges during your menstrual cycle, activates a hormone called aldosterone, which controls kidney function and influences your kidneys to hold onto all the salt and water you put into your system. That water retention can lead to bloating, which can cause your body weight to fluctuate up to five pounds.

Although the fluctuation of body weight might feel disorienting or triggering, it’s a regular part of your cycle.

You might not be able to sleep at night

Maybe you’ve never noticed it before, but you have likely had at least one sleepless night because of your menstrual cycle. Many people struggle with serious insomnia the night before their period begins. This is because when your progesterone surges, it bumps up your basal body temperature, making it harder to sleep.

>>RELATED: Oova 101: How to Create a Healthy Sleep Schedule

If one of your period symptoms is insomnia and it only hits once a month, consider taking melatonin pills to ease your body into sleep. If you’re new to sleeping aids, doctors recommend not taking them more than 2 to 3 nights a week to avoid building a dependency. However, using a sleeping aid occasionally may help alleviate PMS without risking becoming dependent on it.

Your vagina might get yeasty

Yeast infections, or vaginal candidiasis, can occur naturally in areas of the body that remain moist, such as your vagina. It is a fungal infection that can cause itchy irritation on your vulva and white, chunky discharge. Although pain and itching can be stressful, yeast infections are nothing to be ashamed of. Seventy-five percent of women have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.

If a yeast infection is one of your period symptoms and it coincides with your period, it will still cause itchiness, but the change in discharge might be harder to detect. To stay clean and allow your vagina to breathe, limit the use of pads and panty liners when you have a yeast infection. You can still use vaginal suppositories to treat yeast infections during your period.

To prevent getting yeasty, wear cotton undies, stay away from baths and hot tubs, and remember to swap out your feminine product of choice, whether tampons, pads, or panty liners, often. Yeast feeds on sugar, so if you’re particularly prone to infection, it can also help to limit your intake of sugar-heavy foods.

Your voice might change

Hormones have the power to change a voice. Just think of people taking gender-affirming hormones whose voices dramatically drop or jump higher after a few months of treatment. When you’re on your period, your estrogen levels decline. This means that your voice can drop noticeably at your lowest estrogen point. This change can also make your speaking voice feel hoarse at times. However, if you’re on hormonal birth control, this funky change won’t occur.

No steps are necessary here to return to normal. If your vocal cords are hurting, try giving them a rest. If you’re not feeling any vocal strain, maybe take advantage of your new capacity to hit those low alto notes!

You might not feel particularly vegetarian

When tissue exits your body during the luteal phase of your cycle, you lose a considerable amount of iron. Interestingly, this can cause a shift in appetite preference: many people have observed that during their periods, they start to crave meat, no matter what their usual diets are (blame our omnivorous ancestors.)

Research suggests that iron deficiency may also contribute to worse PMS symptoms overall. So consider talking to a doctor and possibly investing in iron supplements if you have less iron in your diet.

>>RELATED: Oova 101: How Your Diet Can Affect Fertility

Your boobs might be sore… or even have lumps?

As we’ve established, PMS is set off because your hormone levels fluctuate. The flood of estrogen that accompanies your period makes your breast ducts swell up, while progesterone does the same to your milk glands. All that enlargement can cause soreness.

As a side effect of this period symptom, you might even notice some small bumps in your breasts that are more sore than usual and easily movable if you push them around. While it can be scary to feel a lump in your breast, these hormone-related bumps are non-cancerous and should disappear after the end of your period. However, if the lumps don’t go away or seem to be only on one side, or there’s discharge from the breast, you should talk to a doctor.

The good news is that this temporary tenderness usually doesn’t affect your everyday life too much. However, you might want to wear a bra with more support if it does.

Your muscles might take a while to recover from working out

Muscle damage is harder to recover from when you’re about to get your period. So for the week before your period arrives, you may have noticed that any soreness you’re experiencing is more intense and longer-lasting. The same applies to wounds and bruises — your body is preoccupied and not focused on healing you.

For this reason and others, many athletes report performance decreases in the week leading up to their period. If you’re dealing with heightened soreness, spend extra time warming up before your workout. You can also attempt to avoid soreness by staying hydrated or just giving yourself a break.

You could start pooping more… and more uncomfortably

During menstruation, your body produces tons of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for stimulating the uterus to contract. If the body makes too many prostaglandins, they go into the bloodstream and start messing with other smooth muscles, like those in the anal canal.

That, of course, leads to the dreaded phenomenon of period symptoms known as period poops. A quarter of the women in this 2014 study experienced diarrhea right before or during their periods. The odor of period poops may also be more pungent than usual.

Taking ibuprofen 24 hours before your period can stop prostaglandins from being released into the bloodstream. This won’t just prevent pain and cramping but could also help ease the awful poops.

Is it my period symptoms or am I pregnant?

When you’re trying to conceive, period symptoms can look a lot like signs of pregnancy. Some of the ones we’ve mentioned, like sore breasts and cravings, can feel like pregnancy signs, and they might be — but they can also just indicate your period is about to start.

The biggest sign that you’re pregnant versus period symptoms will be a missed period. So instead of trying to decipher whether your symptoms are one versus the other, you’ll need to wait until your period (or first day of your missed period) to see which one it is. The two-week wait can be stressful and frustrating, and it’s crucial to connect with your support system instead of worrying and symptom-spotting before you can take a pregnancy test.

The takeaway

Whether your menstrual cycle comes with offensive (smelling) perioc symptoms or benign ones, knowing what you might experience is essential. Understanding your cycle can prepare you to prevent any problems. Keep an eye out next time you’re about to get your period — maybe you’ll notice a new symptom that hasn’t even made this list.

About the author

Hannah Berman
Hannah Berman is a Brooklyn-based educator and writer with a passion for all things sex ed. She is a graduate of Wesleyan University with majors in English Theory and Literary Forms, Italian Studies, and a minor in Education Studies. You can read more of her writing at hannah-berman.com.

Sources

perimenopause-periods
Should I still see my gynecologist if my periods are just "weird" but not painful?
Yes. Annual visits remain important during perimenopause. Your provider can help determine if your "weird" periods are typical perimenopause changes or something requiring attention. They can also discuss management options to improve your quality of life.
perimenopause-periods
How long do irregular periods last before menopause?
Irregular perimenopause periods typically last 4 to 8 years before your final period, though this varies greatly. Some women experience irregularity for just a few months, while others have irregular periods for over a decade before reaching menopause.
perimenopause-periods
Is it normal to have two periods in one month during perimenopause?
Yes, this can happen, especially in early perimenopause when cycles shorten. You might have a 21 day cycle, meaning you could have a period at the beginning and end of the same calendar month. Track these patterns to distinguish between short cycles and abnormal bleeding.
perimenopause-periods
Why are my periods suddenly so heavy in my 40s?
Heavy perimenopause periods often result from estrogen dominance. When progesterone drops but estrogen remains high, your uterine lining builds up more than usual, causing heavier bleeding when it sheds. This is common in perimenopause but should be evaluated if it affects your daily life.
perimenopause-periods
Can I still get pregnant if my periods are irregular during perimenopause?
Yes. As long as you're having periods, even irregular ones, you may still be ovulating. Pregnancy is possible until you've gone 12 full months without any period. If you don't want to become pregnant, continue using contraception throughout perimenopause.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
Can you prevent perimenopause weight gain completely?
While you may not prevent all weight changes during perimenopause, you can minimize gain through proactive strategies. Starting strength training before perimenopause, maintaining consistent sleep habits, and managing stress can help your body adapt to hormonal changes more smoothly. Remember, some body changes during this transition are normal and healthy.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
At what age does perimenopause weight gain typically start?
Perimenopause weight gain can begin in your late 30s or early 40s, often coinciding with the first hormonal changes. Many women notice gradual changes starting 5 to 10 years before their final period. The timing varies greatly based on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
Does everyone gain the same amount during perimenopause?
No. Perimenopause weight gain varies significantly. Some women gain 5 pounds, others 20 or more, and some maintain their weight. Factors include genetics, starting weight, activity level, stress, sleep quality, and how dramatically hormones fluctuate. Your experience is unique to your body.
Is perimenopause weight gain different from regular aging weight gain?
Yes. While metabolism naturally slows with age, perimenopause weight gain has distinct characteristics. The hormonal shifts cause fat redistribution to the midsection, even if overall weight doesn't change dramatically. This abdominal weight gain pattern is specifically linked to declining estrogen and progesterone, not just aging.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
Will the weight come off after menopause?
Perimenopause weight gain often stabilizes after menopause when hormones level out, but the weight doesn't automatically disappear. The metabolic and body composition changes that occur during perimenopause tend to persist. However, with consistent healthy habits, weight management becomes more predictable post menopause than during the fluctuating perimenopause years.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I take progesterone if I'm breastfeeding?
Yes, progesterone is generally safe while breastfeeding and doesn't significantly affect milk supply. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone supplementation while nursing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Is it safe to take progesterone throughout pregnancy?
Yes, when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy is safe and can reduce miscarriage risk in women with low progesterone or a history of pregnancy loss. Most providers continue supplementation through the first trimester (weeks 10-12) when the placenta takes over.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can progesterone supplementation cause weight gain?
Progesterone can cause temporary water retention and bloating, which may show up as a few pounds on the scale, but it doesn't cause true fat weight gain. Most women don't experience significant weight changes from progesterone supplementation.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I switch from pills to suppositories or vice versa?
Yes, but only under your doctor's guidance. The dosing and timing may need adjustment when switching between forms since they're absorbed differently. Never switch on your own, especially if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Will progesterone supplementation delay my period?
Yes, progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact, so if you're not pregnant and continue taking progesterone, your period will be delayed. Once you stop taking it, your period should start within 2-10 days. If you are pregnant, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and you won't get a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Should I take progesterone pills orally or vaginally?
For fertility and pregnancy support, vaginal progesterone is usually preferred because it delivers higher concentrations directly to the uterus. For perimenopause or general hormone balance, oral progesterone often works well and is more convenient. Your doctor will recommend the best route based on your specific needs.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
When should I start taking progesterone after ovulation?
Typically, progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support starts 2-3 days after ovulation (confirmed by LH surge or temperature rise). Your doctor will give you specific timing based on your protocol. Some women start immediately after a positive ovulation test.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
What's better: progesterone cream or pills?
Pills (oral micronized progesterone) are generally more effective and reliable than creams because absorption from creams is inconsistent. For medical conditions like fertility issues, low progesterone, or HRT, prescription pills or suppositories are strongly recommended over over-the-counter creams.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
How can I tell if I have low or high progesterone?
The only definitive way to know is through hormone testing via blood tests or at-home urine tests that measure progesterone metabolites. However, symptom patterns can provide clues: anxiety and irregular periods suggest low progesterone, while bloating and extreme fatigue suggest high progesterone.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
When during my cycle should I test progesterone levels?
Test progesterone levels during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation or around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. This is when progesterone should be at its peak, making it easier to identify if levels are too low or too high.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the main differences between low and high progesterone symptoms?
Low progesterone typically causes irregular or heavy periods, anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues. High progesterone causes bloating, fatigue, intense breast tenderness, and depression-like mood changes. Low progesterone symptoms persist throughout your cycle, while high progesterone symptoms are most intense during the luteal phase.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
Can you have symptoms of both low and high progesterone?
Some symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes can occur with both low and high progesterone, making it confusing. However, the timing, intensity, and accompanying symptoms differ. Hormone testing is the best way to determine which imbalance you're experiencing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can stress affect 10 DPO symptoms?
Yes, stress can worsen or mimic 10 DPO symptoms. Stress increases cortisol, which can cause cramping, fatigue, and mood changes similar to both PMS and early pregnancy. During the two-week wait, try stress-reduction techniques like gentle exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is it better to test at 10 DPO or wait?
It's better to wait until 12–14 DPO for more accurate results. Testing at 10 DPO often leads to false negatives because hCG levels may still be too low. If you absolutely can't wait, use a sensitive early detection test with first morning urine, and be prepared to retest in 2–3 days if negative.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does implantation bleeding look like at 10 DPO?
Implantation bleeding at 10 DPO is typically light pink or brown, much lighter than a period, and lasts 1–2 days. It's often just spotting when you wipe or a few drops on a panty liner. However, only 15–20% of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding—most don't have any bleeding at all.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Why am I cramping at 10 DPO?
Cramping at 10 DPO can be caused by elevated progesterone (whether you're pregnant or not), implantation (if you're pregnant), or premenstrual cramping. Unfortunately, cramping alone can't tell you if you're pregnant since progesterone causes similar symptoms in both scenarios.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What are the chances of a BFP at 10 DPO?
If you're pregnant, you have about a 50–60% chance of getting a positive test at 10 DPO. This means there's a 40–50% chance of a false negative even if you conceived. Chances improve significantly by 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What DPO is most accurate for pregnancy testing?
14 DPO (the day of your missed period) is the most accurate time to test, with 99% accuracy. 12 DPO offers 80–90% accuracy. 10 DPO has only 50–60% accuracy. For best results, wait as long as you can—ideally until 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is 10 DPO too early to test?
10 DPO is considered early for pregnancy testing. While some women get positives at 10 DPO, accuracy is only 50–60% if you're pregnant. For best results, wait until 12 DPO (80–90% accuracy) or 14 DPO/missed period (99% accuracy).
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you have implantation at 10 DPO?
Yes, implantation can still occur at 10 DPO, though 84% of women have already implanted by this point. Late implantation at 10–12 DPO is normal. If implantation happens at 10 DPO, you won't get a positive pregnancy test for another 2–3 days.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does a negative test at 10 DPO mean?
A negative test at 10 DPO does not mean you're not pregnant. It's very common to get negatives at 10 DPO even if you conceived. Your hCG levels may still be too low, or implantation may have occurred later. Wait until 12–14 DPO to retest for more accurate results.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 10 DPO?
Yes, but only about 50–60% of pregnant women will get a positive at 10 DPO. The other 40–50% have hCG levels that are still too low to detect. If you test negative at 10 DPO, wait 2–3 days and test again.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Can high progesterone cause weight gain?
Yes, elevated progesterone can cause temporary weight gain through water retention and bloating. This is a normal part of the luteal phase and early pregnancy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Does stress affect estrogen levels?
Yes, chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress estrogen production and disrupt hormonal balance. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, adequate sleep, and self-care practices helps maintain optimal estrogen levels.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
When should I consider medical treatment for low estrogen?
Consider medical intervention if natural methods don't improve symptoms after 3 months, if symptoms severely impact quality of life, if you're experiencing early menopause (before 40), or if you have fertility concerns. Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate in these cases.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What are the signs that my estrogen is increasing?
Signs of rising estrogen include more regular menstrual cycles, reduced hot flashes, improved vaginal lubrication, better mood stability, increased energy, and improved skin elasticity. You may also notice reduced symptoms that originally indicated low estrogen.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Can exercise increase estrogen levels?
Yes, moderate exercise stimulates estrogen release and helps maintain hormonal balance. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate cardio weekly plus strength training twice per week. However, excessive exercise can actually lower estrogen, so balance is key.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
How long does it take to increase estrogen naturally?
With consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, you may notice improvements in symptoms within 4-8 weeks. However, significant hormonal changes typically take 2-3 months. Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you monitor progress.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What foods increase estrogen levels naturally?
Foods high in phytoestrogens can help increase estrogen naturally. The best options include flax seeds (high in lignans), soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), lentils, chickpeas, whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), and garlic. These plant compounds mimic estrogen's effects in the body.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What helps relieve hot flashes quickly?
Cool environments, layered clothing, herbal teas, and medical treatments like gabapentin or HRT may help—depending on severity. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol can also provide relief.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Are there tests to confirm perimenopause?
Yes. Tests measuring estradiol, LH, and FSH levels can indicate hormonal shifts—but diagnosis is often symptom-based since hormone levels fluctuate widely during perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
How do I know it's perimenopause and not something else?
A doctor may recommend hormone testing (like LH, E3G, and PdG) and track symptom timing. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms combined with age and menstrual pattern changes.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What's the earliest age perimenopause can start?
Some women begin experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-30s, though perimenopause typically starts between ages 38-45.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Does perimenopause affect mental clarity?
Yes. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating are common during hormone fluctuations in perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What happens after the last sign of perimenopause?
After your final period, you enter postmenopause. You'll need 12 consecutive months without a period to confirm menopause. Many symptoms gradually improve, though some like vaginal dryness may persist without treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
When do perimenopause symptoms finally stop?
Some symptoms like brain fog improve after menopause, while others like hot flashes may continue for up to 10 years post-menopause. Vaginal symptoms often persist or worsen without treatment. Each person's timeline is different.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Is high progesterone a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, high progesterone is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise significantly after conception to support the developing embryo and reach their peak during the third trimester.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Can you still get pregnant in late perimenopause?
Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause as long as you're having periods, even if they're infrequent. Continue using birth control until you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period and have officially reached menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Do symptoms get worse before perimenopause ends?
Yes, most perimenopause symptoms intensify in the final 1-2 years before menopause. Hot flashes peak around your final period, vaginal symptoms worsen, and mood changes increase. However, brain fog typically improves in late perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
How long does late perimenopause last?
Late perimenopause typically lasts 1-3 years before your final period. However, the exact duration varies significantly from person to person. You've reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the symptoms of high progesterone?
High progesterone symptoms include fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, anxiety, depression, headaches, and food cravings. During pregnancy, you may also experience increased nipple sensitivity and muscle aches.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What are the first signs that perimenopause is ending?
The earliest signs include longer gaps between periods (60+ days), intensifying hot flashes that peak around your final period, and worsening vaginal dryness. These symptoms typically increase in late perimenopause before you reach official menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
When should I be concerned about high progesterone?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience high progesterone symptoms outside your luteal phase when not pregnant, or if symptoms include severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or rapid weight gain while on hormone therapy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
How do you test progesterone levels?
Progesterone can be measured through blood tests at your doctor's office or at-home urine tests that measure PdG (a progesterone metabolite). Testing is typically done during the luteal phase, about 7 days after ovulation.

About the Oova Blog:
‍Our content is developed with a commitment to high editorial standards and reliability. We prioritize referencing reputable sources and sharing where our insights come from. The Oova Blog is intended for informational purposes only and is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.

Posts

Latest Articles

Stress and Perimenopause: How It Affects Your Hormones
Perimenopause
Nov 26, 2025

Stress and Perimenopause: How It Affects Your Hormones

Stress makes perimenopause symptoms significantly worse. Learn how stress affects progesterone, cortisol, and estrogen and what you can do about it.

Perimenopause Bloating: Why Your Belly Won't Flatten (And What Actually Works)
Perimenopause
Nov 20, 2025

Perimenopause Bloating: Why Your Belly Won't Flatten (And What Actually Works)

Digestive health symptoms are jaw-droppingly common in perimenopause. Nearly 80% of women report experiencing perimenopause bloating alone. Read on to learn what causes perimenopause bloating (hint: it isn’t you), and what you can do to help ease bloating and discomfort.

Perimenopause Breast Pain: When to Worry and How to Find Relief
Perimenopause
Nov 20, 2025

Perimenopause Breast Pain: When to Worry and How to Find Relief

Pain and soreness in your breasts are common perimenopause symptoms. While breast pain may seem scary, most cases aren’t cause for concern. Here’s what’s behind perimenopause breast pain, when and how to talk to your doctor, and strategies for pain management.