PMS or premenstrual syndrome is those few days that precede the monthly period when uncomfortable feelings and physical changes are felt by many women. Not all women suffer from PMS or premenstrual tension, but some really dread “that time of the month”
Mild mood swings, cramps and bloating are all symptoms that can come along with PMS. However, there are some women that experience PMS symptoms that go beyond the normal symptoms.
Although many women experience mild symptoms, others have severe premenstrual tension that they desperately seek treatment options for.
The most severe cases of premenstrual syndrome are classified as Premenstrual Dysphonic Disorder or PMDD. This is a disorder that is even mentioned in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Illnesses. PMS is a real disorder that can be very serious and may even require counselling and medical treatment.
There are various different options of treating PMS, including taking prescription medication (SSRIs), alternative therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes such as exercise and strategies to cope with stress.
Some natural cures you can try are:
- Calcium supplements – 1220 mg of calcium a day could help to reduce those mood swings and irritability, just make sure you take some magnesium as well to balance the calcium and can also can help cut down on the sugar cravings that come with PMS.
- Vitamin E – helps if you suffer from breast tenderness.
- Eat a healthy diet – cut out the salty foods, cut down on caffeine intake, refined sugar and red meat. Add more vegetables and whole grains to your diet.
- Exercise regularly – incorporate a regular exercise regimen to help with PMS and help manage any stress in your life. Some women experience complete relief from PMS with exercise.
- Evening primrose oil – helps maintain hormonal balance.
- Vitamin B6 – also helps balance the hormones.
Whilst it may seem like these treatment options are too simple, sometimes simple measures can reap huge rewards, so do try the natural options first before trying other options.
Other things to try are pain relieving formulations specific for premenstrual syndrome, birth control pills and natural progesterone cream but the last two have their pros and cons and should only be used under your doctor’s supervision.