Hormones and feelings · For ages 13–17
PMS
PMS involves physical or emotional symptoms that occur before a period and improve when the period starts or ends.
Many people notice changes before their period. They are called PMS when the symptoms become significant enough to affect everyday life.
When does PMS occur?
PMS involves recurring symptoms before menstruation that affect everyday life. Symptoms usually occur after ovulation and improve when bleeding starts or during the first few days. There are often fewer symptoms between the period and the next episode.
This pattern differs from feeling low or anxious all month with symptoms worsening before a period. Both deserve support, but the assessment may differ. Having PMS does not necessarily mean your hormone levels are abnormally high or low.
Feelings can change
You may become more irritable, sad, sensitive or anxious, or find it harder to concentrate.
Your body may also respond
Some people experience breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, increased appetite or greater tiredness.
Look for a pattern
Make short daily notes on your mood, sleep, pain and bleeding over a few cycles. Include good days too. This may help show whether symptoms occur before a period and then improve. You can use paper and choose just a few things to track.
You may also want to note what symptoms prevent you from doing, such as attending classes, sleeping, seeing friends or exercising. Bring the record if you want an assessment. Sleep habits, physical activity and support may help. For significant symptoms, a doctor may also consider treatment. You can seek help before finishing the record.
When should you talk to someone?
If symptoms affect school, friendships, family, leisure or everyday functioning, it is sensible to talk to your regular doctor or another healthcare professional.
What next?
The pattern matters
Look especially for symptoms occurring at roughly the same stage of the cycle and then improving.
If you struggle throughout the whole month, it is also important to talk to a healthcare professional. There may be other or additional explanations.
Sources
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