Dear Unhappy Camper,

What you're experiencing is pretty common. Many girls and women experience physical or emotional discomfort up to two weeks before menstruating, which is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Some of the symptoms of PMS that women may feel include depression and mood changes, as well as physical symptoms like headaches, backaches, skin problems, cramps, nausea, and water retention.

It may be helpful to watch your body signs so you can predict when your period is coming. The depression may be easier to manage if you are expecting it and know that it is temporary and related to your menstrual cycle. You may also find that exercising and getting plenty of sleep before and during your period can help minimize your symptoms.

It might be a good idea to talk to your mother about this. She may experience similar problems with PMS and might have some advice for you on how to minimize it or deal with it.

If you're experiencing very severe depression before your period, you may want to talk to your mother about seeing a health care provider. Some women who experience extreme depression and mood swings before their periods are diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) — a severe form of PMS that may also include symptoms like anger and irritability. A health care provider may prescribe an anti-depressant like Sarafem^® to treat this condition. Some forms of the birth control pill may also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with PMS and PMDD.

Call your nearest Planned Parenthood 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.