Almost all women experience some amount of the discomfort that is associated with menstruation. However not all of us have PMS (Pre Menstrual Stress); or at least the kind that requires actual PMS remedies; which are usually required only when the symptoms of PMS are severe enough to interfere with certain aspects of life.
Thought the term PMS is rather loosely used to denote any and all kinds and severity of menstrual discomfort or mood disturbance, only about 2 to 5% of women have the sort of symptoms that can be classified as actual PMS.
Though some amount of mood alteration, breast tenderness and bloating is common in most women before the onset of menses, all do not require PMS remedies, because much of this is considered ‘normal’.
The following PMS remedies have been seen to be effective to a greater or larger extent, given the severity and kind of symptoms that a woman shows-
Nutritional supplements for PMS
Dietary interventions such as a calcium supplements, or a Vitamin E supplements may offer relief from some PMS symptoms.
It has also been suggested that supplements such as Vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium and/or tryptophan could help, although their efficacy in relieving symptoms have not been conclusive.
Lifestyle alteration
Making changes in one’s diet to include more veggies, fruit, nuts, fish and so on can help since these foods deliver more nutrients to the system. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and lowering intake of sugar and salt as well as red meat can help.
Avoiding alcohol, reducing caffeine intake are also known to make a difference. Starting exercise or spending a little more time exercising is also known to have a beneficial impact on PMS symptoms. Getting more and better quality of rest and sleep can also help avert several symptoms connected with PMS.
Alternative PMS remedies
Many women have found that complementary or alternative remedies are useful for PMS – while some women find that homeopathy can ease symptoms, others find relief in acupuncture. Herbal remedies such as Evening Primrose oil is also thought to help. Chasteberry has been used for millennia for the easing of PMS symptoms. Another herbal remedy for PMS that is seen to be effective is St. John’s Wort.
Over the counter or prescription PMS remedies
Pain is one of the symptoms of PMS and this can be treated using over the counter pain medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics for reducing bloating and water retention. Sometimes antidepressants may be prescribed for very severe PMS. Sympatholytic medications such as Clonidine can also help relieve symptoms. Also certain other medications containing essential amino acids can help alleviate PMS.
There are several hormonal interventions that are also thought to be effective remedies for PMS. Birth control pills can help alleviate symptoms quite effectively. Also progesterone treatments or Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may be effective in relieving symptoms.
Supportive therapy
Informational counseling, reassurance and similar therapeutic interventions can be effective PMS remedies for many women. This can help a woman feel more in control of her life and can help her manage her PMS symptoms better.
