Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is when changes in someone's body and mood happen in the 5–10 days before or at the start of their period, then go away completely 2–3 days into the period. Common symptoms include feeling stressed, irritable, or sad; food cravings; headache; sore breasts; and backache.

Making changes in everyday activities such as being active, eating well, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can sometimes help with PMS symptoms. If needed, health care providers can prescribe medicine.

• Help your child manage their physical symptoms. Make sure your child takes any medicines prescribed by the health care provider. To help with a backache, headache, or sore breasts, they can use a heating pad or take acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand), ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand), or naproxen (Aleve^® or a store brand).
• Help your child learn the patterns of their period. Encourage your child to track their periods, moods, and body changes on a calendar or smartphone app. Knowing when to expect PMS symptoms can make it easier to deal with them.
• Support your child's overall well-being by helping them:
  • Eat a healthy diet with whole-grain breads and cereals; good sources of protein like chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts; and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. 
  • Avoid high-salt foods, caffeine (found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, and chocolate), and processed foods (such as candy, cookies, and fried foods).
  • Get enough rest.
  • Be physically active every day.
• Help your child manage stress. They can try: 
  • meditation or yoga
  • doing an activity they enjoy, such as art
  • talking to a counselor 
  • being aware of how too much screen time may increase stress 
  • balancing school and work activities with time spent relaxing/recharging

Your child:

• doesn't feel better after following the health care provider's recommendations
• can't do their usual activities because of their PMS symptoms
• has symptoms of PMS that don't go away when they get their period
• seems very anxious or sad

You're worried that your child will try to commit suicide (end their life), or they have talked about a specific plan for suicide.

You or your child also can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

What causes PMS? In the days before someone's period starts, hormone changes in their body lead to chemical changes in the brain that can cause mood changes and physical changes.

What other problems can PMS cause? PMS can also cause a feeling of fullness (bloating) in the belly and breasts, acne, tiredness, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety, and trouble concentrating. Sometimes these symptoms can interfere with school, work, and/or relationships.