I am bloated, teary, and I am tired

Okay so being bloated, teary, and tired sounds a lot like PMS, which is super common before your period starts.

What it is

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, and it's basically a bunch of symptoms that show up a few days or even a week or two before your period. It happens because your hormones are doing this wild dance right before your period, and some people feel it more than others. Bloating means your tummy might feel a bit full or puffy, crying easily means you're more emotional, and being tired is just feeling super sleepy or low energy.

What to do about it

First, know that it's totally normal and lots of us go through it. You can try to just be extra nice to yourself during these days. If you feel bloated, sometimes drinking more water actually helps, and avoiding really salty foods. For being teary, maybe watch a comfort movie or listen to your favorite music. And for being tired, try to get a little extra sleep if you can, or maybe just chill out a bit more than usual. Some people find light exercise, like a walk, can also help with mood and energy.

When to tell a grown-up

If these symptoms are really intense and make it hard to do your normal stuff, like going to school or hanging out with friends, it's a good idea to chat with a trusted grown-up. They can help you figure out if there's anything else you can do to feel better.