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PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
DEFINITION
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition affecting women 7-14 days prior to their menstrual cycle. Symptoms are most likely to peak between the ages of 25 and 40.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of PMS vary greatly among women, and can include a broad range of digestive disturbances, physical and psychological disturbances. The most common symptoms of PMS include:
Bloating.
Breast tenderness or pain.
Hot flashes.
Tissue swelling.
Joint pain.
Backache.
Headache.
Irritability.
Nervousness.
Dizziness.
Fluid retention in ankles, face, or hands.
Lowered immune system.
Acne.
Emotional upsets.
Fatigue.
Weight gain.
Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
Dermatitis.
Mood swings.
Forgetfulness.
CAUSES
PMS is thought to be caused by fluctuating hormone levels (progesterone and estrogen) which naturally change during a woman's menstrual cycle. Circulating estrogen levels cause fluid retention, leading to cramping, tender breasts, bloating, and aches and pains.
PREVENTION
There is no known preventative treatment for completely alleviating the symptoms of PMS. Those suffering severe symptoms are often given prescription birth control pills to help regulate hormone levels, and diuretics to reduce water retention. Both forms of therapy have been met with moderate success at treating the symptoms of PMS, but have had limited preventative benefit.
TRADITIONAL PMS THERAPY
REDUCING SALT INTAKE will help to relieve problems associated with fluid retention. Remember, salt is a common ingredient in many foods you may regularly consume, such as breakfast cereal, olives, cheese, pickles, chips, crackers, and sauces. High levels of sodium are also found in many OTC antacids.
EAT SMALLER MEALS before and during your period to relieve painful bloating and pressure.
MILD OTC DIURETICS also reduce water retention and ease symptoms of bloating, pain, and abdominal pressure.
OTC MEDICATIONS to treat individual symptoms of PMS have been available for some time now, and are used by millions of women worldwide. Many contain a pain reliever, diuretic and/or mood enhancer.
DAILY exercise helps to control nervousness, agitation and mood swings.
ADEQUATE sleep will help relieve stress, tension and allow your body to relax.
LIMIT STIMULANT intake immediately before your period. This includes caffeine, chocolate, sugar, alcohol, and cigarettes.
PRESCRIPTION medications, such as sedatives and pain relievers have been used to treat severe PMS symptoms that do not respond to conventional therapy. Talk to your doctor about beginning such a program.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
DAILY DOSES of vitamin B-6 have shown promise in treating pain and tissue inflammation in women during their menstrual cycle. Vitamin B-6 has also been used to treat mood disorders with promising results.
ST. JOHN'S WORT has been used for more than a century in Europe to help regulate mood. St. John's Wort has recently been added to many OTC vitamins. It can also be taken on its own. Follow label's dosage directions.
CHAMOMILE tea works great as a soothing, tension taming treatment. Tea can be taken several times daily to relieve stress or just because it tastes great! Peppermint, ginger and lemon teas also have naturally relaxing properties.
VALERIAN ROOT helps to alleviate abdominal pain by relaxing muscles. This herb should be taken for short periods only.
ADDING calcium and magnesium to your diet can help to curb pain and inflammation.
ACU-PRESSURE treatments have shown promise recently in treating pain and psychological symptoms.
EATING a low fat-high carbohydrate diet will keep some symptoms at bay, including bloating, minor cramping, and headache.
HOT BATHS can relieve tension and ease muscle pain. Try adding menthol or eucalyptus to the bath water. Menthol is a natural anti-inflammatory treatment that is very effective at relieving pain.
GET A MASSAGE!
FIND A STRESS relieving program that works for you. Many women swear by Yoga, Tai Chi, therapy, aerobics, aroma-therapy, walking and/or swimming. Do whatever works for you!
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