The Problem of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
The word menstruation (say men-strew-ay-shun) comes from a Latin word ‘mens’ which means month. Most girls and women have their periods about once a month. Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium). Menstruation (a period) is a major stage of puberty in girls; it’s one of the many physical signs that a girl is turning into a woman. And like a lot of the other changes associated with puberty, menstruation can be confusing. Some girls can’t wait to start their periods, whereas others may feel afraid or anxious. Many girls (and guys!) don’t have a complete understanding of a woman’s reproductive system or what actually happens during the menstrual cycle, making the process seem even more mysterious.
Everyone knows the teen years can be difficult — for both teens and parents. All those physical changes during puberty can make adolescents feel awkward and unsure of themselves. This is particularly true for girls when it comes to menstruation. For a girl, getting her first period is a physical milestone and a sign of becoming a woman. But it can also be confusing and scary, particularly if she encounters certain problems like irregular periods or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Some girls and women have PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome – sometimes called PMT or Pre-Menstrual Tension) which could mean that they feel:
- a bit tired or tense,
- a bit weepy, irritable or easily upset
- headachey, maybe a migraine headache
- bloated and full in their tummy (like it’s full of air)
for a few days before and at the start of a period.
Not everyone has all these symptoms, and some girls do not have any. Sometimes girls find they have a lot more energy just before their period starts. These feelings usually do not last for more than a day or so, but if they are bothering you, have a talk to your mother or your doctor, because there are some things you can do which can make a difference to how you feel. (Ask mum to look up “Periods” in the Parenting section of the Child and Youth Health web-site for some more information).
PMS includes both physical and emotional symptoms that many females get right before their periods, such as:
- acne
- bloating
- fatigue
- backaches
- sore breasts
- headaches
- constipation
- diarrhea
- food cravings
- depression or feeling blue
- irritability
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty handling stress
Different girls may have some or all of these symptoms in varying combinations. PMS is usually at its worst during the 7 days before the period starts and disappears soon after it begins. But girls usually don’t develop symptoms associated with PMS until several years after menstruation starts — if ever.