Blame your clumsiness on the hormones. Headaches. Weight gain. Cramps. We all know the obvious symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS as it's more commonly known. That's because 85% of women have at least one symptom during their periods, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But did you know you could blame some of other things on PMS, too? 1. You're clumsier. Throughout your cycle, your hormone levels fluctuate. A lot. And in the days before your period, your major hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) are at their lowest and only rise slightly as your period starts. And unfortunately, low levels of testosterone and estrogen can cause coordination problems, which might make you feel a little off balance. It also might make you feel slightly dizzy, so don't be alarmed if you feel like have a touch of vertigo. 2. You can't sleep through the night. Don't worry if you suffer from insomnia during your period. You can blame your disrupted sleep on night sweats and hot flashes, an elevated heartbeat, and even nightmares, which all increase when your hormones are fluctuating. 3. Suddenly everything hurts. And we aren't just talking about cramping and breast pain. You may also have joint and muscle pain and headaches, too. Another fun fact: Your breasts can swell in size. You should also book your waxing and threading appointments at least two weeks before your period starts. Your skin is extra sensitive the week before, and those beauty treatments will feel a lot worse. 4. You can't control your bowels. Feel like you're visiting the bathroom a lot more while you're ovulating? Well, you probably are. The same signals that tell your uterus to contract and expel the uterine lining are the same signals that might be telling your bowels to contract, too. Another reason is your hormones. Progesterone is naturally constipating, and your levels get really low a few days before your period, so you might feel the urge to poop more often. 5. Your eyesight is worse. But don't worry. That blurry vision is generally temporary. You may also notice that your eyes are more watery than usual. 6. You can't focus. Low levels of estrogen can lead to confusion, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. Fun, right? Source
