Teenage pre menstrual anxiety any advice

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15 yo dd has started to experience panic attacks. She looks really wiped out, physically shaky and tearful. However there definitely seems to be a monthly pattern to her symptoms, occurring in the week prior to her period. She is happy as Larry this week. She is as stressed as any year 11 I suppose but no major worries, is still managing school, parents evenings, volunteering etc. Also has acquired a lot of spots and a boyfriend so I am guessing hormone fluctuations are giving her a hard time. She is vegetarian, reasonable diet for a teenager, and takes a multivitamin, vitamin D3 and B12 and Spatone Iron supplements (needs to take these more reliably though I think) . Is there anything practical you would suggest she tries? Thanks in advance

I would recommend you test her omega 3 index with this simple prick test omegaquant.com and if she is under the minimum of 8 (normal range is 8-12, but ideal above 12) you supplement with an algae based epa-dha .
EPA and DHA regulate mood swings

Thanks, that's interesting I'll look into it. Is it OK to supplement without testing? As in, safe.

The majority of us are deficient anyway. I tried several supplements and hated the aftertaste of fish capsules and a slight nauseous feeling. I now take these au.iherb.com/pr/Deva-Vegan-Omega-3-DHA-EPA-300-mg-90-Vegan-Softgels/55158
Careful this is the Australian version website of iherb.

Yes I have looked at some vegan ones from Holland and Barrett, thanks I think that will be worth a try.

When I was seen at the PMS clinic years ago they told me to take calcium and that was the only supplement that ever made a difference.

Cutting out sugar completely had an instant effect on my periods. No pain, hormonal rage or exhaustion. They came and went unnoticed.

Sorry not sure about the panic attacks but Vit B6 is brilliant for my PMT.I take it every day, non stop.

People will push you to supplements but tbh what really works best is finding the right contraceptive pill. Why not send her to the GP for a chat?

Oh and exercise had always helped me too.

Thanks ditching sugar had a big effect on my meno symptoms, that makes sense. I'll look at calcium and calcium rich foods. She's a lost cause to exercise I fear but I think when she is walking to school again that will help. I also wondered about a hormonal contraceptive so I might look into that a bit.

Thanks all, and any more experiences welcome.

I'm not medically qualified, but I'd be cautious of messing with hormones further via the pill while there is still a chance to get them balanced with supplements, diet and exercise.
I read so many posts on here of women who have had a lifetime of bad periods and pcos and who have been taking the pill or using the Morena coil for years.

She has said that she is up for making some dietary changes so we will start there, I need to do some research before we do anything else via the GP, agree.

DD had similar issues , we went to GP and got blood test done -b12,b9 and Ferritin. She had very low ferritin levels of 6. Once she started taking ferrous gluconate as prescribed she improved. No longer suffers from anxiety or PMS. I was giving her spatone but probably her levels were too low to have any effect. She is vegetarian too. I would suggest to consult your GP regarding these test.
For breakouts- you can ask GP for a topical antibiotic like zinyeret. But sometimes breakouts are fungal and GP might not know the difference. A better bet is salicylic acid mask or exfoliant. You can get it from the ordinary brand or Paula choice- both are good. Also look for acne patches on Amazon. They are hydrocolloid patches and work really well for an active spot. Using both patches and salicylic acid will help clear the breakouts.

Thank you that's really interesting. I wonder if they would do a blood test. I will make a note to ask if we have a GP consultation.