For many women, periods are accompanied by menstrual complaints, with more than half describing their periods as painful. Common menstrual issues include:
- Before the period: Irritability, fatigue, tender breasts, bloating, and weight gain.
- During the period: Abdominal cramps, headaches, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.
These symptoms are often most severe between the ages of 14 and 18. One effective solution for menstrual complaints is the contraceptive pill, which can significantly reduce the symptoms and make periods more manageable.