What is the premenstrual phase?

As you may know, the menstrual cycle is made up of 4 phases: menstruation, the preovulatory period, ovulation and the pre-menstrual period.

Phase 4 of your cycle is the premenstrual phase. It begins 7 to 10 days before your period. During this time, the body prepares to welcome the baby if fertilization has taken place. If there is no pregnancy, your body is preparing to evacuate the endometrium that would have been used to welcome a baby. The evacuation of the endometrium is known as menstruation.

I have pain during my pre-menstrual phase

The premenstrual phase is the phase of the cycle that occurs before your period. You may have noticed that you have headaches, tender breasts, a swollen lower abdomen, stomach or back pain, nausea, pimples, a little depression, hypersensitivity, hypersomnia or the urge to eat everything in sight, etc. In reality, your body produces hormones that trigger physical and psychological symptoms in some women.

My mood changes during the premenstrual phase. Is this normal?

Before your period, you may feel tired, irritated, sad or angry. Maybe you sometimes feel like you can’t control what’s going on around you, you may feel like crying or you may feel misunderstood… In reality, you simply need calm around you. You can stop fighting, slow down and observe. It will do you good.

These physical or psychological discomforts are commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (or PMS), but don’t worry, it’s not an illness.

Some girls experience these symptoms very strongly, to the point of having violent tantrums, extreme mood swings, depression or anxiety. This is a complication called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). But it’s quite rare. If you notice that this is your condition or that your pain is very severe, consult a doctor or midwife. These professionals will be able to advise you on how to get through this period more easily.

It’s also possible and normal for you to have no symptoms during your premenstrual phase. Not all girls experience pain or mood swings during this phase of their cycle.

It’s rarely said, but it’s also an interesting period when you clearly know what you want, you can make up your own mind easily and you don’t let yourself be pushed around, a bit like a Queen! It’s great!

Listen to yourself and take care of yourself to keep your spirits up

Your state of mind and your mental state play a very important role. I advise you to write down every day how you feel during this phase. This will help you to observe and understand what’s going on in your body and, as if by magic, you’ll see that, little by little, this period will go very smoothly.

Self-love is also essential. When you love yourself, feel loved and feel good about yourself, everything goes better!

If you feel your spirits are low, don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust (a mother, an aunt, a cousin, a sister, a friend, etc.). They may be able to help you. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, don’t hesitate to contact the Lydia call center. These are midwives you can contact by phone or WhatsApp from 7am to 10pm.

How can I soothe my pre-menstrual pains?

We’ve got plenty of advice to help you soothe your premenstrual pain and make the most of this phase of your cycle.

Take the time to slow down, stay calm, observe and reflect. It’s important to relax and avoid stress.

Put something warm on your stomach if it hurts.

Drink plenty of water and hot drinks (sugar-free if possible), avoiding coffee, tea and sugary drinks.

Eat fruit (especially bananas), vegetables, cashew nuts, cowpeas, lentils and moringa (foods rich in magnesium calm irritability and bloating).

Do gentle sports such as walking, stretching, etc.

Sources : Jack Parker, Élise Thiébaut & Toubibadakar