There are times when I feel like I need to cry but I don’t have a reason for it. This happens like 4-5 times a month and I haven’t had my period yet. Would you describe this as a mood swing? And if so, what does it mean in terms of how far away my period is?

Okay, so yes, what you're describing totally sounds like a mood swing! Mood swings are just when your feelings go up and down and you feel super emotional, sometimes for no clear reason. It's like one minute you're fine and the next you're ready to cry, or you feel really angry or sad.

These kinds of feelings are super common when your body is starting to get ready for puberty and your period. Your hormones are doing a lot of wild stuff and that can really mess with your emotions. Like, literally, your body is changing so much inside that it makes your brain feel extra sensitive. Having these feelings 4-5 times a month could mean your body is starting to get into a kind of cycle, even before your period actually starts.

It's hard to say exactly how far away your period is based just on mood swings. Everyone's body is different, so some people get mood swings for months or even a year before their first period, and for others, it might be closer. But it's definitely a sign that your body is getting ready for your period to start sometime soon. Keep an eye out for other signs too, like if you've had a growth spurt or if your breasts are starting to develop. If you want to get a general idea, there's a quiz on this site that helps you figure out how close you might be: how close is my first period?