A girl's periods can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Most of the time, there's no reason for concern. But some problems need care from your daughter's doctor.

Here's how to help your daughter cope with most period problems.

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is when a girl has mood and body changes before or during her period. It's usually at its worst during the 4 days before a period. PMS usually goes away 2 to 3 days after the period begins.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of PMS?

A girl with PMS might have:

What Can Help if My Daughter Has PMS?

Your daughter can try these things if she has PMS symptoms:

  • To help with food cravings: Eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • To ease bloating: Lower salt in her diet.
  • To ease crankiness or anxiety: Avoid caffeine and get plenty of exercise.
  • To help with backache, headache, or sore breasts: Try a warm heating pad or acetaminophen (Tylenol or store brand), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand), or naproxen (Aleve or store brand).
  • To relax: Try yoga or meditation.
  • To prevent and treat pimples: Work with a dermatologist (skin doctor).

When Should We Call the Doctor?

If your daughter's PMS is severe, her doctor can help with other treatments, including medicine. Call the doctor if your daughter:

  • does not feel better after trying home treatments
  • seems very sad or hopeless
  • ever talks about hurting or killing herself
  • can't do her usual activities because of her PMS symptoms
  • has PMS symptoms that don't go away after the first few days of her period

What Are Period Cramps?

Period cramps are pain in the lower belly during a girl's period. Many girls have cramps during the first few days of their periods. Period cramps are caused by prostaglandin, a chemical in the body that makes the muscle in the uterus contract.

What Can Help if My Daughter Has Cramps?

If cramps bother your daughter, she can try:

  • a warm heating pad on her belly
  • taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or naproxen (Aleve or store brand); this works best if the medicine is started at the first sign of cramps

When Should We Call the Doctor?

Call your daughter's doctor if:

  • severe cramps keep your daughter home from school or doing her usual activities
  • the cramps that do not get better with ibuprofen or naproxen

What Are Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods are when a girl or woman does not get her period about every 4–5 weeks. In the first 2 years after a girl starts getting her period, it is normal for the cycles to be irregular. But by about 2 years after periods start, they should be on a regular cycle.

How Can I Help My Daughter?

Help your daughter track her periods so she knows if they are regular. She should record when her period comes, how long it lasts, and any problems she has during it. She can use a calendar, app, or write it down in a notebook.

When Should We Call the Doctor?

Call the doctor if your daughter:

  • has had her period for 2 years and still does not get it about every 4–5 weeks
  • gets her period regularly, but then doesn't get it for 3 months
  • gets her period regularly, but then it becomes irregular
  • has periods that are very heavy (she goes through more than one pad or tampon an hour)
  • has periods that last longer than about a week

Looking Ahead

Most girls settle into a regular period schedule and can manage any bothersome symptoms with home treatment. But talk to the doctor if you think there could be a problem with your daughter's periods.

Back to Articles

Related Articles

Talking to Your Child About Periods

Kids reaching puberty should already know what's going to happen to their bodies. Here are some tips for talking to your daughter about menstruation.

Read More

Your Daughter's First Gynecology Visit

The idea of going to the gynecologist may make your daughter feel nervous. Here's how to make her feel more comfortable about a well-woman visit.

Read More

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS is a medical emergency - symptoms include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches.

Read More

Sexual Development

Big physical and emotional changes happen during puberty and the teen years. These articles can help you become a source of information, comfort, and support for your kids.

Read More

Female Reproductive System

Learning about the female reproductive system, what it does, and the problems that can affect it can help you better understand your daughter's reproductive health.

Read More

Pads and Tampons

When a girl gets her period, she'll need some supplies. Find out more in this article for kids.

Read More

Gyn Checkups

Girls should get their first gynecological checkup between ages 13 and 15. Find out what happens during a yearly gyn visit -- and why most girls don't get internal exams.

Read More

Is it OK to Get My Period Twice in One Month?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Read More

Pelvic Exams

A pelvic exam is where a doctor or nurse practitioner looks at a girl's reproductive organs (both outside and internally) and feels the uterus and ovaries to be sure everything's normal. Find out what's involved in this article for teens.

Read More

Should I Take Pills to Regulate My Period?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Read More

Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies

When it comes to pads and tampons, there are lots of choices. It may take some experimenting before you find what works best for you. Here are some tips.

Read More

Five Things Girls Want to Know About Periods

Girls have lots of questions about periods. Here are five good ones - and the all-important answers!

Read More

Period Cramps

Cramps can put a crimp in a girl's daily routine. Find out what period cramps are and how to handle them.

Read More

When Will I Get My Period?

It's normal to be a little worried or anxious about getting your period. Find out more in this article for kids.

Read More

Irregular Periods

Wondering whether it's normal to have irregular periods? Get the facts about this common problem.

Read More

Endometriosis

Read this article to learn all about endometriosis and how doctors help girls who have it.

Read More

PMS, Cramps, and Irregular Periods

Get the facts on which period problems are normal and which ones might indicate something's going on.

Read More

All About Periods

Periods can be confusing. Get the facts in this article for teens.

Read More

All About Periods

Getting a period is a natural part of becoming a woman. Find out more in this article for kids.

Read More

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are common among growing girls, and can cause some pain and discomfort. They usually clear up quickly with proper medical treatment.

Read More

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.