Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is associated with the menstrual cycle of women and characterised with a host of symptoms that starts showing up just 1 to 2 weeks ahead the period date and it subsides once the monthly bleeding starts. PMS are variable and depends on factors like age, body built, and other health conditions of the woman – for some it’s just a botheration of few days, but for few it gets severe and really difficult to handle.

Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS will not be occurring when you get pregnant or have attained menopause. This is nothing that should be a reason to consult doctors, until it’s really severe and you need to maintain charts for consecutive menstrual cycles so that the doctor can suggest treatment analysing the severity and kind.

Some of the symptoms that ensure of PMS are as below –

  • Fatigue very often and find it difficult to sleep
  • Swollen and tender breasts
  • Chronic bowel disorders like diarrhoea, constipation and upset stomach
  • Painful joints, frequent headaches and muscle pains
  • Anxiety bouts, crying spells, easily get tensed, stay in irritable mood and depression
  • Sudden change in appetite
  • Lack of concentration

PMS does not affect equally all women; it is more sensitive and prone to women who have fluctuating hormone levels. However luckily, there are many natural ways that can help you to get rid of severe PMS attacks, check the list below to know them –

Diet Changes

Although there is no such specific diet for PMS, but light and frequent meals do help as they regularise the blood sugar levels. The serotonin hormone levels should be kept high – eat foods like corn, potatoes, bread and chocolate too! Adequate intake of protein is essential, so include nuts, sprouts, beans in your diet.

Complex carbohydrates like rotis and steamed rice is good instead of consuming artificial juices or sweets. Vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium are known to reduce PMS. One capsule of multivitamin and multimineral can give you enough relief. Herbs also help; try chamomile tea, ginseng and gingko biloba.

Lifestyle Changes

PMS cannot reduce overnight; but a continuous effort to reduce the symptoms have been effective in most cases. Studies showed that yoga, meditation, reiki are extremely helpful. Regular physical exercise, be it in form of aerobics or work out sessions also offers relief! It increases blood circulation and reduces fluid retention as well. Restrict on consuming caffeine, and alcohol. Proper sleep of 12 hours at a stretch is also recommended.

Alternative Therapies

PMS usually does not require high dose medication, but alternative therapies done by experts did show good results. The body aches can be alleviated by acupressure and body massage. Start off with an expert adviser, then you can do them yourself later.

The severe condition of PMS is known as Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is very rare and only a proper clinical diagnosis can assure you that you are having it! In this case, the symptoms of PMS remain the same but in highly exaggerated form that often restricts the person from carrying out the daily activities.

Doctors usually prescribe analgesics like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Paracetamol to reduce the cramps and aches. If situation is even critical, doctors prescribe tranquilisers and diuretics. Therefore, if you feel extreme discomfort with PMS, feel free to discuss the same with your doctor.

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