For years we've heard that feeling bad before your period is part of being a woman: “just put up with it, it'll pass.” Being common doesn't mean you have to live through it every month without understanding it. Premenstrual symptoms have a physiological explanation, and knowing it is the first step to supporting your body with more calm and less guilt.
In this article6 sections
What premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the set of physical and emotional changes that appear in the luteal phase, the second half of the cycle (roughly the 14 days before your period), and that usually ease once bleeding starts. It's not “drama” or a lack of character: it's the way your body responds to the hormonal changes of the cycle.
Symptoms vary a lot from one woman to another, and also from one month to the next. Among the most common are:
- Mood changes: irritability, sadness or anxiety without a clear cause.
- Cramps and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
- Bloating, a feeling of fluid retention and slower digestion.
- Light sleep or waking up more often during the night.
- Fatigue and cravings, especially for sweets.
What happens in your body before your period
After ovulation, estrogen and progesterone rise and then drop sharply in the days before your period. These shifts influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood, appetite and rest. That's why on the same day you may feel more sensitive, hungrier and sleep worse.
Cycle hormones are also linked to digestion: many women notice that their gut slows down and that abdominal bloating increases right before their period. And stress, lack of sleep and what you eat on those days can make everything feel more intense.
Habits that tend to help
There's no single solution, but there are simple habits many women find helpful during the luteal phase:
- Track your cycle. Noting when symptoms appear helps you anticipate them and bring concrete information to your appointment.
- Take care of your rest. Regular schedules, fewer screens before bed and a dark, cool bedroom.
- Move. Walking, yoga or pilates helps release tension and improves circulation.
- Eat at regular times and prioritize fresh foods, fiber and water; cutting back on excess salt and caffeine on those days can make a difference in bloating.
- Give yourself permission to slow down. Your body is doing real work.
How Aurah's SPM can support you
SPM Menstrual Balance is an Aurah formula, made at Farmacias Magistrales, designed to support you in the days before your period. It combines plants traditionally used in women's wellness with nutrients involved in mood and rest:
- Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), a traditional plant for women's wellness.
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a traditional herb for calm.
- Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), a traditional plant for the menstrual cycle.
- Vitamin B6, which is involved in the production of neurotransmitters.
- Melatonin, which supports the natural sleep rhythm.
Take one capsule a day, preferably at night, as the label indicates. You can use it throughout your cycle or only in the second half, and it's best to give it 2 to 3 months of consistent use, because every body responds at its own pace. If you also notice a lot of bloating or heavy digestion, FLOW+ supports digestion and gut microbiota.
Important: do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you use birth control or other hormonal treatments, consult your doctor before taking it, because chasteberry may interfere with them.
When to see your doctor
Premenstrual discomfort is common, but some signs deserve a medical evaluation:
- Intense anxiety, deep sadness or negative thoughts before your period.
- Symptoms that keep you from working, concentrating or going about your life normally.
- Very severe pain that doesn't improve, bleeding outside your period or very irregular cycles.
In those cases it could be something more than PMS, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and a professional evaluation is best. If you'd like guidance, you can request a free telemedicine consultation with an Aurah healthcare professional.
In summary
Feeling different before your period happens for a reason, and understanding it gives you back control. Observe your cycle, take care of your rest and your diet, lean on a consistent routine and don't normalize discomfort that limits you. Not sure where to start? Take the Aurah quiz and find the formula that suits you.
To tell PMS apart from normal cycle variation, read Real PMS vs. “you're too sensitive”.
This content is for informational purposes and does not replace an evaluation by a health professional. If you have symptoms that worry you, consult your doctor.
