Mother Nature's monthly "gift" isn't a present without some strings attached. There are symptoms, or side effects, of having a period, which can range from the cosmetically challenging (like breakouts) to the downright uncomfortable (like gas). It's important to remember that each menstrual cycle is different. If your menstrual symptoms, or premenstrual symptoms, are severe, talk to your doctor.

PMS

One period side effect actually happens before you get your period: Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS. About 85 percent of all women have some PMS symptoms. Symptoms can include breakouts, irritability, increased appetite, back ache, breast tenderness, bloating, gas, diarrhea, mood swings, insomnia, tiredness, abdominal cramps and headache. PMS begins a few days before menstruation and usually subsides a few days into your period.

PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects about 5 percent of menstruating women. While the symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, they are more extreme and can interfere with normal activities. As with PMS, PMDD usually coincides with the onset of your period. Some PMDD symptoms include depression, anxiety, mood swings, anger and irritability, trouble sleeping and focusing, bloating, insomnia and loss of energy.

Here's your gift

You may be feeling pretty miserable before you get your period, and that may last for your first few days of menstruation. Uterine cramps, which may be caused as the uterine lining is shed, are one of the most common complaints of menstruation. However, symptoms such as back ache, mood swings, headaches, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, are normal.

Good Feelings

Mood swings during your period aren't all negative. Some women feel just fine during their period, and that's normal, too. In fact, feelings of creativity, relief, enthusiasm and a bigger sex drive are all part of the period side-effect gambit.

Bleeding

Normal menstrual bleeding is actually about 2 tbsp. over the course of a normal two- to seven-day period. Your bleeding may vary slightly from other women, and your rate of bleeding may change with age, as will the color of your menstrual discharge, which can range from dark red to brown. However, normal does not include bright-red bleeding or heavy bleeding (bleeding that requires you change your pad or tampon every hour or two). If you experience those symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Source:

WebMD Women's Health

U.S. Department of Health Womens Health