This article was written by Marisa Sartore in February 1996. Most women experience physical and emotional changes during a normal menstrual cycle. These are related to cyclical hormonal changes and vary from woman to woman and from menstrual cycle to menstrual cycle. For most women the symptoms experienced, such as bloating, headaches, and irritability, are relatively mild and signal that the menstrual flow will start in hours or days. Some of the feelings experienced premenstrually, such as being extra sensitive and wanting to be alone are probably a normal part of our cycle and not symptoms of a problem.
Women respond differently to the changes brought on by their cycle.
Some women suffer intensely, some aren't aware of anything other than menstruating and experience no distressing symptoms. Have diets which include high amounts of salt, sugar, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol and animal protein. Keeping a diary or chart to record the physical and emotional symptoms can be useful to see when and how you are affected by your cycle. If there is a pattern over the months, it may emerge. This information could be useful to consider when planning commitments that require energy and concentration.