Sore breasts, an unsightly pimple, chocolate cravings...it all leads to one thing: your period is coming and you're having major PMS. Right before your period, your progesterone levels soar, making you angrier than when some idiot makes a left turn in front of you from the wrong lane and almost causes an accident (STOP TEXTING AND READ THE STREET SIGNS!), weepier than you get when reading the ending of The Giving Tree (just us?), and more anxious and irritable than Woody Allen in basically every movie, in addition to all the other symptoms. You will feel all the feels.

Be healthy

The best way to deal with PMS is through a healthy lifestyle (easier said than done when we are dealing with UGH, period rage, we know, sorry) and a helping of dark chocolate. So definitely hit the gym, hydrate, eat right and sleep a lot. You've got this, lady! 

However, severe PMS could actually be could be a symptom of PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which only occurs in around 3%-8% of women. PMDD sufferers experience extreme mood swings, persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, heightened irritability and anger, and very low self esteem. If this describes you, reach out to your doctor. There is no WAY you should have to deal with this alone.

Your emotions

It’s been said that women ovary-act when they are on their periods. (Sorry!  Not sorry! Sometimes while we are on our periods one of the side effects is that we make jokes like that and we LOVE them) And while, yes, your feelings may seem a bit all over the places, thanks to your fluctuating hormones, this doesn't mean you are overreacting. 

Your feelings—no matter what they are—are valid and important. Own how you feel! If you're sad, let yourself be sad. If you're happy, that’s great—enjoy it! If you turn into a werewolf, no sweat, at least you know that about yourself so you’re prepared for the next time it happens.  And seriously, look at you, you are hands down the cutest werewolf buying tampons in this Walgreens.  

 How do you feel right now? Soak it up while it lasts, since you'll be on to the next batch of feelings soon.

Know your body

Knowing your body's patterns is your best defense when it comes to dealing with your period. Luckily, Glow and its community is here for you! Log when your period starts (and stops), along with the other important deets like how heavy your flow is and your symptoms. In no time, Glow will have you knowing exactly what to expect so that your Code Red isn't an actual CodeRED.