Women who suffer with PMS, also called premenstrual syndrome, experience a wide variety of physical and emotional symptoms that occur each month. Common symptoms of PMS include breast swelling and tenderness, acne, bloating and weight gain, headache and joint pain, food cravings, irritability, mood swings, crying spells and depression. Hormonal changes trigger the symptoms, which usually begin 2 to 14 days prior to a woman's period and stop once her period begins. Changes in lifestyle may help symptoms for some women, while medication may be more helpful for others. Talk to your doctor about PMS treatments that are appropriate for you.
Diet
Reduce PMS symptoms by modifying your diet. Eat small, frequent meals and limit your intake of sodium to reduce bloating, fluid retention and the sensation of feeling full. Do not drink beverages containing caffeine and refrain from consuming alcohol. Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are high in carbohydrates and consume calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, dark leafy vegetables, beans and almonds. Drink plenty of water, aiming for six to eight glasses each day.
Exercise
Add aerobic exercise to your daily routine. Ride your bike, swim laps, play a sport or take a brisk walk. Choose activities that you enjoy and exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Performing exercise on a regular basis can improve symptoms of PMS such as moodiness and fatigue. Check with your doctor prior to beginning any exercise program, especially if you have not exercised in awhile.
Drug Therapy
In some cases, medication prescribed by your doctor may help with symptoms. Drugs commonly prescribed include antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, diuretics, oral contraceptives and medroxyprogesterone acetate. Since symptoms are not the same for everyone, your doctor will need to decide what medications are appropriate for you.
Alternative Medicine
Treatment with vitamins and herbal remedies may help symptoms of PMS. Ask your doctor about the use of calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E and fish oil. In addition, inquire about herbs, such as black cohosh, ginger, raspberry leaf, dandelion, chasteberry, evening primrose, St. John's wort, and natural progesterone creams made from wild yams and soybeans, which provide relief for some women.
