I’m one of those people who’s really in tune with their body. (It’s one of my superpowers.) I know when I’m feeling extra frisky and can’t stop masturbating that I’m ovulating. (Hey, there are some benefits, so don’t judge!)

I also know when I start craving certain foods, like crunchy, salty tortilla chips and decadent, rich dark chocolate, that it can only mean one thing — I’m premenstrual.

Top it off with absolute exhaustion no matter how much I sleep, workouts that seem like actual work, and a few emotional and mental breakdowns complete with shedding a few tears that leave me thinking, “What the heck is wrong with me?!” I know my period is most definitely coming. (You too?)

These are just a few subtle period symptoms I experience that are giant red flags my period is on the horizon. To other people, these premenstrual and period symptoms may seem so innocuous that they’re not even worth mentioning. But for me, I know these are some seriously sneaky PMS symptoms.

If you experience subtle changes in your daily diet, mood, or sleep patterns, these may all be some stealthy signs your period is coming. Here are some of the most popular PMS symptoms that may be major indicators your period is just around the corner.

Sneaky period symptoms

1. Acne and breakouts

One of the main PMS symptoms you may experience is acne and breakouts, especially if it’s around your chin and jawline, shares Wendie Trubow, MD, ob-gyn. Higher progesterone levels are responsible for making our skin oiler in the days leading up to menstruation. You may also notice oiler hair too. Someone pass the dry shampoo, please.

If you’re wondering what your skin may be craving, we’ve got you covered right here.

2. Bloating

Bloating can happen any time during the month, but it can be one of those period symptoms that indicates you may be premenstrual. “Bloat can absolutely be a sign your period may be coming,” notes Trubow. “As your hormones change it can change your water retention and gut function, leading to bloat.” If you’re battling a bout of bloat, try eating some of these foods to help beat the bloat.

3. Changes in BMs

Changes in bowel movements, or BMs as I like to call them, can be another one of those signs you may be premenstrual. This can range from feeling like you’re going rather frequently (cue the upcoming period poops) or you may even find yourself feeling a bit backed up. (Hello, constipation.) If you find yourself in camp constipation, try these foods and tips to help alleviate it.

4. Cramps and low back pain

Cramps and low back pain are by far one of the most classic indicators of period symptoms. “Period-related stomach cramps are most likely caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that tell your uterine muscles to contract (resulting in the shedding of the uterus lining) during your period,” notes Flo Health. “Sometimes, those contracting muscles can create pain that radiates to your lower back.”

Yeah, we’re going to need a heating pad over here. One of my favorites is the Apollo TENS and Heating Belt from My Obi.

5. Cravings for certain foods

This one is calling my name. Salty tortilla chips and chocolate, anyone? (Yes, please!) Hormonal fluctuations when you’re premenstrual can make us crave certain foods, especially those that are salty and sweet.

Trubow says some of the usual suspects you might crave leading up to your period are chocolate, carbohydrates, savory foods, and sugary foods. “The changes in the hormones can often make a woman’s system feel out of balance and stressed, and when we are stressed we crave foods that the body believes will allow us to have quick energy like carbs and sugar,” she explains.

6. Feeling sluggish and super tired

Feeling drained of all energy and lazy AF? Well, first of all, there’s a sex position for that, but in all seriousness, feeling fatigued, sluggish, and super tired can be another one of those period symptoms indicating you’re premenstrual. 

Natural Cycles says experiencing tiredness in the days before your period is fairly common. “Even if you are well-rested you might find your energy levels are lower than at other points in your cycle,” writes the brand.

While keeping a regular sleep routine and eating foods that support better sleep can help, some women may still experience waves of insomnia. As with other PMS symptoms, this is caused by hormonal changes.

7. Moodiness

Moody? (Me too. Like always). Don’t worry, feeling irritable and moody is a sign you may be premenstrual and is also another one of those well-known period symptoms. 

“While the main female sex hormone estrogen can make us feel pretty good right around ovulation,” notes Natural Cycles, estrogen levels drop off in the second half of our cycles while progesterone levels rise, cueing those feelings of irritability and malaise. 

If you’ve ever noticed changes to your mood, it might be another one of those PMS symptoms you can add to your list. You may want to share this list with your partner so they know what’s coming too. Just saying. (They may even buy you some ice cream complete with your favorite toppings.)

8. Sore and tender breasts

Sore and tender breasts? First of all, ditch the bra and let the girls breathe, but then go ahead and chalk it up to being one of those PMS symptoms. Breasts that feel extra sensitive, sore, or tender are all period symptoms.

Same with breast swelling. Yep, these are all premenstrual signs due to fluctuating hormone levels. “Estrogen enlarges breast ducts, and progesterone causes milk glands to swell. Both combined can make your breasts feel pretty tender,” writes Flo Health.

9. Workouts are well, work

I love lifting heavy weights at the gym. I feel like a total bada$$, but right before my period, a 5-pound dumbbell may as well be a 25-pound dumbbell. Battle rope waves — yeah, more like me moving in super slow motion like I’m moving through a vat of maple syrup or molasses. (Oh, maple syrup means something sweet. Crap…is my period coming?)

This is because the hormonal changes that occur leading up to our cycles can also lead us to feel less energetic, explains Trubow. “This time before the menses tends to be a better time to focus on more restorative exercise as opposed to challenging and heavy workouts,” she says.

Instead of heavy weight lifting, HIIT workouts, and resistance training leading up to your period, stick to workouts that are more gentle on your body. Think of things that are low-impact like biking, walking, and yoga. In fact, here’s how to work out for each week of your cycle.

10. Your discharge has dried up

If you’ve ever experienced a change in discharge or vaginal dryness you may have some PMS symptoms on your hands.

Cervical mucus is a type of vaginal discharge that changes in amount and consistency throughout the entire menstrual cycle. During ovulation, the cervix produces cervical mucus that may be visible in your undergarments or after you use the loo. (This means you’re fertile and are probably feeling frisky, so grab that sex toy or partner and get busy!)

However, since we’re not fertile in the days leading up to our periods, there should be very little discharge or a complete absence of discharge altogether. If DC is visible, it may even appear clear and sticky like goo.

The bottom line on period symptoms

Feeling like you may be premenstrual? These are just a few period symptoms that can be extra sneaky, stealthy, and subtle signs Aunt Flow may be on her way to town — so prepare accordingly. Chips and chocolate, anyone?