Dear Shianoni,

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome.

Some girls and women may have physical or emotional discomfort up to two weeks before menstruating, which is known as premenstrual syndrome.

Some of the side effects of menstruation that women feel include headaches, backaches, skin problems, mood changes, depression, cramps, nausea, and water retention.

There are many ways to relieve these symptoms, but every woman's body is unique and will respond differently to various remedies.

• Watch your body signs so you can predict when your period is coming. This way, you can watch your diet and get exercise and enough sleep when you know you'll need it.



• Cut down on salty foods before and during your menstrual cycle. A diet high in salts makes your body retain water, which causes the feeling of heaviness and bloating you may experience.



• For painful cramps, try to relax your body as much as possible by breathing deeply, massaging your stomach or back, or applying a hot-water bottle or heating pad on your stomach or back. Some women also take aspirin to relieve cramps.



• Make sure to exercise throughout the month and get enough sleep the week before your period.

Some health care providers prescribe the birth control pill for severe menstrual side effects. Call your nearest Planned Parenthood health center at 1-800-230-PLAN to consult with a health care provider.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.