Dealing with first major bout of PMT. Any tips?

[MrsBobHale]

DD is 12 and hasn't started her periods yet, although I suspect that might change very soon. She's had a few months of being a bit wobbly for a couple of days, but this week she has been a mess of hormones, sobbing, shouting, falling out with friends, barely able to hold a conversation without taking something to heart -the full works. She's said herself she's hormonal and she hates it.

Is it normally worse the first few months, or are we in for the long haul?

Is there any benefit in looking at her diet to try to improve things? Are supplements any good? I took evening primrose oil when I had bad PMT but I'm not sure it's a good idea for a 12yo?

I think the lead up the first period is actually the worst bit. Partly because neither you nor her know how to handle it. Once DD had got her first period and had got used to a monthly cycle a bit, it did get a great deal easier because we both knew what was coming and she learnt to recognise the 'pressure cooker' feeling of PMT. Its still a bit hairy pre-period - be careful what/how you say anything - but at least we are both a bit more clued up on her particular symptoms and 'timings' now.

My mother spent my teenage years saying "ohhhh, are you due on??" When I had PMT and still does it now, despite being told on numerous occasions (politely at other times of the month, and less politely when said pmt was in full flow!) that it's like a red rag to a bull and SURELY she should have worked it out by now?!

Get her a good quality multi vitamin/mineral supplement for women of child-bearing age.

If she doesn't already do much in the way of exercise, encourage her to be physically active. Encourage her to have a regular sleep pattern.

Omega 3 Teensense, Evening Primrose Oil, Teen Multi-vit (think Boots do one) and some Floradix. We got this lot going about 2 weeks ago and I cannot tell you what a difference it has made! However, my daughter was at the 'raging' end of the spectrum so you might not need this much!! Also, it is costing a lot, but worth it for the difference in her mood swings and rages. Plus routine of sound sleep and cutting out junk food/sugar etc (though these last two she has had to work out for herself after lots of suggestions from me).

Good luck.x