7 Weird Things You Can Blame On PMS

Premenstrual syndrome can make you moody and bloated, but it can also cause a surprising number of other issues. You may not think to attribute a poor night's sleep or your bad hair day on your period, by there are a variety of weird things you can blame on PMS. Getting your period is hard enough, but unfortunately it can wreak havoc on other parts of your body in ways that may seem surprising or unexpected.

PMS is caused by fluctuating hormones and chemical changes in the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic, which occur one to two weeks before your period. According to WomensHealth.gov, over 85 percent of women experience at least one PMS symptom during their monthly cycle. Symptoms vary from woman to woman — although PMS is most common in women between their 20s and 40s — but they can affect everything from your physical appearance, to your emotions, to what you're craving for dinner. It's easy to panic when something feels off in your body, but it can be reassuring to know the root of these issues just stem from good ole' Aunt Flo.

If you're feeling a little weird during that time of the month, you may be able to blame the below seven things on PMS.

1. Your Hair Gets Oily

"When your period is coming and happening, your skin and scalp typically become more oily due to the added stress and hormones from PMS," says Carla Rivas, co-founder of Hair La Vie Vitamin over email. "This can leave your hair looking more flat and shiny if you're not careful to brush it through your hair consistently."

2. You Have Problems Sleeping

If you have some unexpected sleepless nights, it may be related to PMS. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 33 percent of women experience disturbed sleep during their menstrual cycle. This is because estrogen and progesterone levels drop after ovulation, which can cause insomnia.

3. You're Feeling Clumsy

Tripping and falling a little more than usual? Blame your hormones. Low levels of estrogen and testosterone can cause problems with your coordination and can make you feel dizzy or unbalanced, according to Good Housekeeping.

4. You're Dying For Junk Food

Right before your period, your cortisol levels spike and your serotonin levels drop, leaving you craving foods high in sugar and fat to help make you feel happier and more relaxed, according to Women's Health. Eliminating unhealthy foods two weeks before your period can help curb these cravings, as this will help keep your blood sugar and hormone levels stable.

5. Your Vision Is Blurry

Low estrogen levels can trigger migraines, and these migraines can affect your vision. Problems can include signs of flashing lights, floating lines, or temporary peripheral blindness, according to The Huffington Post.

6. You Can't Focus

PMS can cause fatigue and low energy, which can affect your ability to focus, according to WebMD. This brain fog can cause problems at work or school and contribute to your bad mood, but it can be avoided by getting adequate sleep and eating well, according to PMSComfort.com.

7. You're Going Number 2 Often

If you find yourself frequently headed to the toilet, you may be experiencing a symptom of PMS. During PMS, certain chemicals cause your uterus to contract, which in turn also causes your intestines to contract, increasing your bowel movements, according to Everyday Health.

Eating well, sleeping, and exercising can help alleviate these issues, so despite feeling uncomfortable, try to keep up on your overall health to minimize PMS symptoms.

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