PMS relief may be closer than you think. Relief from PMS symptoms can be achieved through simple adjustments made to your lifestyle and diet, pain relief and other prescription medication. Firstly, cutting back on, or eliminating caffeine and salty foods from the diet will provide relief from the fluid retention and bloating common in PMS. Including lots of complex carbohydrates in the diet before and during PMS will give you relief from any carbohydrate cravings. Calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and vitamin B12 supplements are said to be excellent dietary relief for many of the symptoms of PMS.
Get lots of rest and sleep if you feel fatigued. If your body and brain respond to hormonal and neurotransmitter changes during PMS by making you feel tired, then find relief in the best way you can by acting on it rather than fighting it! Indulge yourself and make yourself as comfortable as possible during PMS. The fact that you produce less beta-endorphins (the body's natural supply of pain relief) during PMS means that you are more aware of pain and comfort. Gentle exercise and fresh air are vital for the relief of PMS symptoms as these help the body produce more beta-endorphins. Having a good giggle with friends will also help as laughter stimulated the release of beta-endorphins!
For the relief of sore or tender breasts during PMS, invest in a good supportive bra, even a sports bra and be sure to sleep on your back or your side to protect your tender abdomen and breasts. A hot water bottle, hot bubble baths, showers and other ways to apply heat to the body are great for the relief of achy muscles during PMS. St Johns Wort and evening primrose oil supplements can help with the relief of mood and pain symptoms during PMS. If you need something a little stronger however, over the counter Acetominophen and Ibubrofen and similar medications can be used for pain relief during PMS.
If PMS symptoms are more severe and relief from PMS can not be achieved through the options detailed above, it's vital that you visit your doctor or OB/GYN specialist for additional help and support. Doctors can prescribe diuretics such as Spirinlactone (Aldactone) for the relief of water retention and bloating in PMS and also selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor anti-depressants (Prozac, Sarafem, Zoloft etc.) for the relief of severe psychological symptoms. In the very worst cases of PMS, relief from symptoms by suppression of ovulation through oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists may even be advised. Surgical removal of the ovaries for the complete relief of PMS is only ever considered as a last resort in the most severe cases.
Sign up for your FREE PMS notices, join our forum, and find out more about what you can do to fight PMS.
