PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a set of symptoms many women experience before the start of their period. Not only is it painful, but it can also cause emotional distress.

Learning some tricks to manage PMS can help ease your pain, both physically and mentally.

Let's start with a tick game! Make a tick for each symptom you experience before or during your period.

• Mood swing

• Headache

• Cramps

• Tender breasts

• Fatigue

• Sugar cravings

• Irritability

• Emotional outbursts

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Insomnia

• Depression

How many ticks do you have?

If the answer is more than one, it's time to take action to manage your PMS.

Severe PMS can be disturbing and recurrent. Here are some tricks to help manage PMS:

• Exercise regularly

• Maintain a balanced diet

• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol

• In the week before and during menstruation, try to avoid foods with high fat and sugar content

• Take supplements, such as folic acid, vitamin D, and magnesium

• Get enough sleep

• Keep a period journal to track your symptoms

• Seek medical help if conditions are unbearable

Using technologyto track your period can help you see patterns and make adjustments to your routine. Try free apps like FLO or Clue to manage your menstrual cycle.

Don't let PMS get best of you!

Pick one of the tips from this Byte and commit to trying it before your next period. Make sure to check in with yourself: did it help?