What is "normal" before a period?

[nokatprotested]

Hi I was just wondering what exactly the "usual" symptoms of pms are? Also, is there any reason a girl should have to go to the doctor for pms? I've just recently started keeping track of my period symptoms after about 3.5-4yrs. of having my period. Some of my odd symptoms are:
-occasional cramps in my stomach that seem to move lower and lower each day as my period gets closer
-sharp pains in my crotch/anal area
-gas
-depression/drop in confidence
Is all of this normal?
Also, I've read that cervical mucus should be very stretchy during the ovulation period of a woman's cycle, but that never seems to happen to me? My CM is always either clear and thin or thicker and kinda white, but never very stretchy at all. Some sites say that means I could possibly be infertile, is that true?
Thank you so much!

[Sam W]

Hi nokatprotested,

PMS is one of those things that is variable not only from person to person, but also from cycle to cycle for any given person. Much of what you're describing sounds like standard symptoms. You can check out some more info here:
On the Rag: A Guide to Menstruation

Would you also like some info an fertility awareness method (a way of tracking your cycle and where are in it) since it sounds like you're starting to try and track some other aspects of your cycle?

[nokatprotested]

Yes, please!

[Sam W]

Here you go
Get With the Flow: All About FAM