8 Signs your period is coming

Waiting for your period to start can be stressful—especially if you’re worried you may be pregnant or hoping you are pregnant. But even if your cycle isn’t perfectly predictable, your body usually gives clues that your period is on its way. Here’s what to look for and how to tell the difference between typical premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual syndrome (known as PMS) to help you feel more prepared and less anxious.

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Common signs your period is on its way

Your hormones change in the days leading up to your period, and these changes can affect both your body and your mood. While everyone’s cycle is different, here are some common signs that your period is coming

1. Breast/chest tenderness

Hormonal shifts—especially a rise in the hormone progesterone—can cause your breasts or chest to feel swollen, sore, or sensitive. This tenderness typically gets better once your period begins.

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2. Cramps

Mild cramping in the lower belly, back, or thighs can signal that your period is on its way. These cramps happen as your uterus prepares to shed its lining. They can become more intense once your period actually starts.

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3. Bloating

If your stomach feels swollen or tighter than usual, you might be bloated. Changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone can make your body hold onto extra water. This type of bloating is temporary and usually gets better as your period begins.

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4. Hormonal acne or skin changes

If you’re noticing breakouts, especially around your jawline, chin, or lower cheeks, hormonal changes could be the cause. Pre-period acne happens due to increased oil production triggered by changes in estrogen and progesterone. Unlike regular acne, hormonal breakouts tend to be deep below the skin, painful, and appear in the same areas each cycle. They typically clear up as hormone levels go back to normal after your period starts.

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5. Changes in vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge tends to change throughout your menstrual cycle. In the days before your period, cervical mucus often becomes thicker, stickier, or cloudy. Some people also notice a slight brownish discharge as their body prepares for menstruation.

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6. Mood swings and irritability

Feeling quick to anger or sadness? Hormonal shifts before your period can contribute to mood swings, increased anxiety, or feeling on edge. While these feelings can be frustrating, they usually get better once your period starts.

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7. Constipation or diarrhea 

Hormonal changes can also impact digestion. Some people experience constipation and have trouble going to the bathroom before their period due to rising progesterone levels. Others notice that looser poop when they go to the bathroom because prostaglandins, hormone-like substances, release in the body once menstruation begins.

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8. Trouble sleeping or fatigue

Difficulty sleeping or feeling extra tired is another common sign that your period is approaching. Progesterone levels go up and down, which can impact sleep quality and leave you feeling sluggish.

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PMS vs. normal period symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is often used as a catch-all term for any symptoms that happen before your period, but there’s a difference between normal premenstrual changes and PMS.

Typical symptoms before your period (like mild cramps, bloating, and mood swings) are common and usually don’t often interfere with daily life. PMS is a more severe form of premenstrual symptoms that can significantly impact mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. It often includes symptoms like intense mood swings, severe fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

If your pre-period symptoms feel extreme or are affecting your quality of life, it’s worth talking to a health care provider about potential treatment options, including hormonal birth control.

How late is considered a missed period?

A period is typically considered "missed" if it hasn’t started within five to seven days of when you expected it. However, some people don’t have regular cycles, so a late period isn’t always a cause for concern.

Factors like stress, illness, changes in weight, intense exercise, or certain medications can all delay menstruation. If your period is often late or unpredictable, tracking your cycle can help you identify patterns and better understand what’s normal for you.

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When should you take a pregnancy test?

If your period is late and you may be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test can provide clarity. Some early-detection tests claim to give results before a missed period, but testing too soon may lead to a false negative (meaning you are pregnant, but it’s too early for a test to detect the pregnancy).

For the most accurate results, it’s recommended that you wait two weeks for your body to develop enough HCG, the hormone indicating pregnancy, for an at-home test to show a positive pregnancy.

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Reasons your period may be late other than pregnancy

While pregnancy is one explanation for a missed or late period, several other factors can disrupt your menstrual cycle:

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If your period is consistently irregular or absent, it's important to consult with a health care provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

If you’re waiting for your period to arrive and feeling anxious, checking in with your body can be reassuring. Hormonal fluctuations affect everyone differently, but common signs like breast/chest tenderness, bloating, mild cramps, mood swings, and hormonal acne often indicate that your cycle is on track.