Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common concern among menstruating women.
PMS is the psychological, emotional, physical, and behavioral changes between ovulation and the start of your period.
It typically lasts for a few days after your period begins and can disrupt daily life.
Despite some claims, PMS is a real condition and causes significant physical discomfort and emotional distress.
Therefore, it is important to treat PMS in order to relief its symptoms.
This article covers PMS treatment, symptoms, and more.
Symptoms of PMS
Usually, PMS symptoms are mild, but they may impact your daily activities.
You may experience PMS symptoms consistently before each menstrual period.
Anxiety, increased cravings, decreased libido, etc., are some emotional and behavioral symptoms of PMS.
You may also notice the following physical symptoms if you have Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Sore and swollen breasts
- Acne
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Cramping
Below, we have discussed diagnosis and Pre-Menstrual Syndrome treatments.
To understand why you are experiencing PMS symptoms without period, read “PMS Symptoms But No Periods: What to Do?”
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Diagnosis of PMS
There are no notable physical findings or lab tests to diagnose Pre-Menstrual Syndrome positively.
Your doctor may attribute a particular symptom to PMS if it’s part of your predictable pre-menstrual pattern.
Your doctor may have you record your symptoms and signs on a calendar or diary for at least two menstrual cycles.
Some conditions may mimic PMS, including chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid disorders, and mood disorders like Depression and Anxiety.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe tests, such as thyroid function or mood screening, to help provide a clear diagnosis.
PMS Treatment
While there is no permanent cure, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome treatments can help ease your symptoms.
For many women, lifestyle changes and PMS vitamins can help ease PMS symptoms.
Some commonly prescribed medicines for PMS include:
Antidepressants
Antidepressants like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) effectively reduce PMS symptoms.
SSRIs are generally taken daily and are the first-line treatment for severe PMS.
In some cases, antidepressants may only be used two weeks before menstruation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These are taken before or at the onset of your period, and they may help with cramps and breast pain.
Diuretics
Exercise and limiting salt intake sometimes help reduce PMS bloating, swelling, and weight gain.
In other cases, water pills (diuretics) can help your body shed extra fluid through the kidneys.
Aldactone (Spironolactone) is a diuretic that can help relieve some of the symptoms of PMS.
Hormonal contraceptives
These are prescription medications that prevent conception and may bring relief from PMS symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines for PMS, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
However, it is vital to note that the success of medications in relieving PMS symptoms varies among women.
PMS Treatment: Natural Options
Besides trying medication for PMS treatment, individuals can also use alternatives like lifestyle changes.
To get relief from mild symptoms, it may help to try the following natural options:
- Drinking herbal teas like red raspberry or chamomile may ease cramping or abdominal bloating
- Try having a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Consider reducing salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine if you’re sensitive to their effects
- Consult a healthcare professional about trying PMS supplements like Vitamin B-6, Folic acid, Magnesium, and Calcium to help reduce mood symptoms and cramps
- 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night can help ease fatigue and improve overall well-being
- Indulge in physical activities. It will not only help relieve bloating and cramping but also ease anxiety and depression symptoms
Conclusion
To deal with PMS, you need a thorough plan that includes both medical and lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis, though challenging due to the absence of specific tests, involves tracking symptoms over multiple menstrual cycles and ruling out other potential conditions.
From antidepressants to NSAIDs, diuretics, and hormonal contraceptives, the choice of PMS treatment depends on the severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, herbal teas, and regular exercise can mitigate PMS effects.
Proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plans are important to ease the discomfort associated with PMS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can drinking water help with PMS?
Yes, staying hydrated will help you deal with pain, even menstrual cramps. Water keeps you from getting bloated, makes you feel less tired, and helps your blood flow so you can bleed faster and with less pain.
Lack of which vitamins and minerals cause PMS?
A deficiency of minerals and vitamins, like Vitamin B, Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium, may cause PMS. Consult a doctor to learn about the exact cause of PMS and its treatment.
Could chocolate help with PMS?
Yes, having 40–120 grams of dark chocolate daily during your period may ease pain. Due to its magnesium content, dark chocolate helps relieve muscle tension and aches.
What causes PMS?
No one knows for sure what causes PMS, but hormonal changes over time are usually the main cause. During pregnancy and menopause, the signs and symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome go away.
Usually, at what age does PMS begin?
Women between the ages of 30 and 40 are most likely to have PMS. Most women start to have symptoms around the age of 25. PMS and other problems related to periods stop when a woman reaches menopause.
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Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
