FIRST WEEK OF PREGNANCY

Hormonal changes in early pregnancy may leave you feeling bloated, similar to the feeling some women have just before their period. That’s why your clothes may feel more snug than usual at the waistline, even early on when your uterus is still quite small.

Pimples don’t stop at puberty — oh, no they don’t! Hormonal shifts cause the skin to release more oil, which means acne is a very common symptom before and during the menstrual cycle. The good news is: they’ll start to go with the flow. To tame a break out, wash the affected area daily with an oil-free cleanser, wear loose-fitting clothes, and shower after sweating to prevent clogged pores.

When your uterus contracts to shed last month’s lining, the pain from those muscle cramps can radiate beyond your belly — but the throb can also be a symptom of early pregnancy! This is because as your body prepares for birth, your ligaments and joints loosen up to make delivery possible. Usually felt in the lower back, you can ease the ache with gentle stretching, eating foods that are high in magnesium and vitamin B, and drinking lots of water.

Feeling tenderness or pain in breast tissue is a common condition known as mastalgia and is usually associated with a change in hormones. Pain or discomfort may be constant or occasional for a few days before, during, or after your menstrual cycle; however, if the tender sensations span multiple menstrual cycles, you may wish to speak with your doctor.

If you’re having trouble going number two, you’re not alone. Constipation is not uncommon — especially when menstrual cramps are in the mix. To cope, drink lots of water, eat fiber-rich fruits and veggies, and take lots of walks. If you’re still stopped up, talk to your doctor about other ways to get regular again.

It can feel like an embarrassing secret and be a real pain in the tush, but many women find their menstrual cycle accompanied by a case of the runs. Prostaglandins, signaling molecules that have a diverse range of hormonal effects and can contribute to inflammation, increase during menstruation, and the gastric system also has receptor cells to respond to progestin and estrogen. This means digestion and menstruation are linked, and can result in this stinker of a symptom. To ditch the diarrhea, eat a fiber-rich diet, stay hydrated, and walk often.

Feeling like your energy is totally sapped? Fatigue is a common feature of week 1 because of the decrease in estrogen for the menstrual cycle — and the heavier the flow, the more likely it’ll be present. If you need to replenish your energy, try to avoid sugar rushes, stay hydrated, and get more sleep. Sure, that last one is easier said than done, but prioritizing climbing into bed early or to sneaking in naps when you can is the best way to oust exhaustion.

Estrogen and progestin play key roles in menstruation and fertility, but for many, they come with a snag — headaches. Research has shown that these hormones interact with headache-causing chemicals in the brain when estrogen levels drop, and menstrual migraines are not uncommon. This doesn’t mean you’re at the mercy of the ebb and flow though. Make time to incorporate relaxation exercises when your monthly visitor arrives, drink plenty of water, and consider acupuncture if you need relief from severe or recurring pain.

Angrier than you might otherwise be? Might cry at a moment’s notice? Got an anxiety undertow dizzying your day? All are potential mood symptoms that may happen as your hormones change. For a smoother ride, try to avoid stressors when possible, get some exercise to generate some endorphins, eat more but smaller meals per day, and add in fresh foods that contain calcium.