Frequency an severity of physical and emotional symptoms in young female students from two cities of México (a medium and a large sized city), were studied. An interview was carried out in 447 female adolescents, non seeking treatment, in a cross sectional design (146 from Guadalajara, and 301 from León). The mean age was 16.7 years (16.5 + SD 1.7 and 17.1 +/- 1.9 respectively). Most frequent symptoms for both groups were abdominal bloating, acne, increased appetite, low back pain, polydipsia, and emotional symptoms related to depression such as fatigue, desire to stay at home, desire to be alone and anxiety. Adolescents from Guadalajara reported increased intensity of diverse symptoms in comparison with adolescents from León: Breast tenderness, polydipsia and symptoms of depression. Difference was maintained after adjustment for covariates. In regards to the phase of the menstrual cycle, significantly different symptoms were: Abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, constipation, pruritus, lack of concentration, lack of coordination and symptoms of depression. It is concluded that female adolescents report increased scores on several physical and emotional symptoms during the menstrual phase of the cycle. Women from large urban populations report symptoms with increased intensity.