My 17 year old daughter is having a terrible time. Her symptoms are more emotional than physical. I've done a lot of reading and I know there are prescriptions that can be taken, but I'm hesitant to go that way. Anyone have any experience (either for themselves or their child) with natural remedies? I've read that vitamin supplements, B6 and others are helpful.

You need to take her to her pediatrician to discuss this. She may have PMDD, which is more severe than PMS. It includes emotional symptoms as well as alot of gastrointestinal problems, and sometimes acne. It is caused by the body's reaction to the change of hormones present in the menstrual cycle. I noticed all of the above in my DD related to her cycle, as well as a very irregular cycle. I started giving her a regular vitamin supplement about a year ago, noticed no difference.
Her pediatrician diagnosed PMDD, and prescribed Yaz, which is generally used for birth control burt has been shown to be effective for treatment of PMDD . She has been on it about 5 months and has had about a 75 to 80% improvement in her symptoms, except for the acne which is nearly all gone. I was not thrilled with the idea of a daily med for my DD, but I believe this is the proper treatment for her at this time.
Good luck to you- I know this issue can be very frustrating for all of you.

I had horrid PMS and cramps when I was a teen. I was on the birth control pill to help it up until I had kids. It was the only thing that helped. Now I have my tubes tied and the pain and emotional things are getting worse and worse. They want to put me back on the pill but I am just going to grin and bear it. It's still not as bad as it was when I was a teen.

I feel for your DD

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Take you dd to a gyno and discuss her problems. IMHO, there is no reason for women to suffer with PMS/PMDD/etc. when there are so many different treatments available that they could try.

You dd is 17, she can easily handle taking a bc pill everyday, they're tiny and come all sorts of different cases that remind you to take them.

I'd take her ASAP. No reason for her(and those around her if she has severe emotional swings)to suffer.

She has my sympathy-I suffered with terrible periods for years and wound up having surgery to end the whole thing.

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