Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Treatment: Lifestyle Changes and Medical Options
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms a woman can face before her period.
As per a study by NCBI, 90% of women of reproductive age experience mild or severe symptoms of PMS.
These symptoms can be physical (tiredness, bloating, etc.), emotional (sadness, irritation, etc.), or both.
These symptoms arise one or two weeks before your period and return at the same time each month.
PMS treatment options like lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms.
In this article, we will learn about the various medications, vitamins, and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms.
Medications
You can manage the mild symptoms of PMS using some over-the-counter medications.
If the symptoms are more severe, you may require a doctor’s prescription.
Some over-the-counter medications that can provide relief are as follows:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs can relieve menstrual cramps and breast pain if taken during a period or around the time when symptoms start.
These options include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Mefenamic Acid.
Your doctor may recommend Brufen 400mg, Ibugesic 200mg, Naprosyn 250+, or Meftal 250mg for menstrual cramps.
Some medicines are available over the counter, while others may need a doctor’s prescription.
Hormonal birth control pills
Medicines that prevent your ovulation can help relieve unpleasant symptoms like pain and tenderness.
It may take some experimentation to decide which kind of birth control help you most.
Consult your doctor or ask which birth control pills will suit your body to relieve PMS symptoms.
One of the most common birth control pills that may relieve PMS symptoms is Yasmin 3mg.
Antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are common antidepressants prescribed to treat mood disorders associated with PMS.
These anti-anxiety medications include Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline.
Take these medications as your doctor prescribes; they can cause side effects if not used properly.
Diuretics
Women who experience PMS often feel bloated and gain weight due to excess body fluid.
While exercising and reducing salt can be helpful, sometimes it’s not enough to alleviate the symptoms.
In these cases, diuretics or “water pills” can help flush out the excess fluid through the kidneys as urine.
One diuretic is Aldactone 100mg (Spironolactone), which can effectively reduce the bloating and swelling associated with PMS.
Lifestyle changes
The symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome may vary from mild to severe and includes bloating cramps, mood swings, and fatigue.
Modifying your lifestyle can also help in relieving symptoms of PMS.
Some of the changes that you can try are as follows:
Exercising
Moderate cardio exercises like running, brisk walking, cycling, and swimming for 30 minutes can boost your mood and relieve stress.
The benefit of doing exercises may remain for more than 30 minutes.
Healthy diet
Increasing the intake of some foods and decreasing others can fight PMS symptoms.
Reduce the amount of salty, fatty, sugary foods, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol two weeks before your period.
During menstruation, eat six small meals instead of three big meals.
Or you can try eating three small meals and three snacks; spacing meals can help prevent constipation.
Healthy eating is suitable for your mood as well as your gut.
Plenty of sleep
Getting at least eight hours of sleep can help reduce your feelings and irritability.
Keeping a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your internal clock.
This means waking up and going to bed at the same time each day; doing so can reduce the likelihood of mood swings throughout the day.
Relaxing exercises
Yoga and meditation can reduce stress and combat sadness and irritability, which are symptoms of PMS.
Slow breathing can also help in managing all these symptoms.
Exercises release Endorphins, natural mood elevators that can improve depression and anxiety.
Vitamins and supplements
Vitamins, minerals, and various supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
It is always better to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Some of the vitamins and minerals are as follows:
Magnesium
As per a study in the Iranian Journal of Nursing, Magnesium can significantly help relieve PMS symptoms such as headache, stress, and anxiety.
You can get the proper amount of Magnesium from leafy greens, nuts, supplements, and whole grains.
Calcium
As per an NCBI study, calcium has been shown to improve symptoms like fatigue, food cravings, and even depression.
Diary products like milk, eggs, yogurt, calcium-added cereals, and supplements can provide enough calcium.
Vitamin B6
According to a study, Vitamin B6 can improve mild or moderate PMS symptoms.
You can get Vitamin B6 from poultry, fish, non-citrus fruits, potatoes, and various supplements.
Herbal supplements
Various herbal remedies relieve the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.
These herbs include black cohosh, primrose oil, and dried chaste berries.
Consult your doctor and ask them about the proper amount that should be taken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PMS is a condition that affects many women and can significantly impact their quality of life.
Although there is no cure for PMS, lifestyle changes can help in getting relief from symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction, and symptom tracking are all essential strategies to consider.
In some cases, additional supplements or hormonal birth control pills can also help.
Consult your doctor to make a personalized treatment plan for you.
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