what do pms mean?

Okay so PMS stands for PreMenstrual Syndrome. It's basically a bunch of symptoms that happen in the days or even a week or two before your period shows up, and then they usually go away once your period starts or a little after.

What it feels like

Everyone's PMS is different, so you might have some or none of these, and they can change over time. It can feel like your body and your mood are just doing their own thing, and sometimes it's super annoying. Like, one minute you're fine and the next you're ready to cry over spilled milk, literally. And then there are the physical things.

Common PMS symptoms can be:

• Bloating (feeling puffy in your belly)
• Mood swings (feeling happy then sad or mad really fast)
• Cramps or a dull ache in your lower belly or back
• Feeling tired or sleepy
• Headaches
• Tender or sore breasts
• Breakouts or acne
• Feeling easily annoyed or overwhelmed

What to do about it

The good news is there are things that can help make PMS easier. Drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy foods can really make a difference. Moving your body can help too, even if it's just a walk. For cramps or headaches, you can ask a grown-up if you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. And sometimes just knowing that it's PMS and that it will pass can make you feel a little better.

It can also be super helpful to track your PMS symptoms. That way, you start to see a pattern and know what to expect. Like, "oh, my super tired day is usually two days before my period." The Soso app has a daily log where you can track your mood, cramps, and other symptoms so you can see your patterns. It's super helpful!