Why Your Teen’s Mood Swings Might Be More Than Just “Hormones”
Understanding PMS, PMDD, and when to ask for help—because mental health and reproductive health are deeply connected.
If your teen seems like a totally different person the week before her period—moody, withdrawn, anxious, irritable—you’re not imagining it.
And it’s not “just teenage hormones.”
Yes, puberty is a hormonal rollercoaster.
But when emotional symptoms start impacting her daily life, relationships, or ability to function, it’s time to look a little deeper.
Let’s talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and how to get help when period-related mental health symptoms go beyond what she (and you) should have to deal with.
PMS vs. PMDD: What’s the difference?
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is common—up to 90% of menstruating people experience some symptoms. These can include:
Mild irritability or mood changes
Bloating or breast tenderness
Trouble sleeping or headaches
Feeling more emotional than usual
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is not just “worse PMS.”
It’s a real, clinical diagnosis that affects about 5–8% of menstruating people—and often starts in the teen years.
Signs of PMDD may include:
Sudden anger or rage that feels uncontrollable
Intense sadness or hopelessness
Panic attacks or anxiety spikes
Feeling out of control or disconnected from yourself
Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms that disappear within a few days of starting your period
How do I know when to be concerned?
If your teen is:
Saying things like “I feel crazy” or “I don’t know why I’m like this” before her period
Struggling with school, friendships, or sleep in a predictable pattern each month
Dreading her period—not just because of cramps, but because of how she feels mentally
Asking for help—or shutting down completely
That’s your cue.
Start the conversation. Let her know she’s not broken—and this isn’t her fault.
What can help?
There are real, effective treatment options that don’t involve just “riding it out.” These include:
Lifestyle changes (more sleep, regular meals, movement, stress reduction)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown strong results for PMDD
Birth control pills to stabilize hormone fluctuations. Specifically ask about taking them continuously and skipping the placebo pills. Additionally using specific ones with drospirenone in them are the right choice for management of PMDD.
SSRIs (like Zoloft or Lexapro) taken daily or only during the luteal phase (the week before her period)
Tracking symptoms over 2–3 cycles to identify patterns
Do I need a specialist?
Start with her pediatrician or family doctor.
Bring a log of her symptoms—dates, mood changes, how it’s affecting her. If they’re familiar with PMDD or adolescent mental health, they may feel comfortable starting treatment or referring you to a:
Gynecologist with experience in adolescent care
Child/adolescent psychiatrist
Reproductive mental health specialist (if available in your area)
If your current provider dismisses your concerns, that’s your sign to move on. Mood symptoms are real medical issues—not drama.
How can I support her through this?
Validate her experience: “I believe you.”
Remind her it’s not her fault—and she’s not alone.
Encourage open communication, even if it’s messy.
Help her track her cycle and emotions to spot patterns.
Model self-advocacy by taking her concerns seriously and helping her speak up at appointments.
The bottom line?
Reproductive and mental health are deeply intertwined.
If your teen’s mood changes are interfering with her life, it’s worth talking about—and treating.
Because being a teen is hard enough.
She deserves to feel like herself all month long.