PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, a collection of emotional, psychological and physical symptoms that occur during the final phase of the menstrual cycle. PMS therefore stands for headache, sore joints, cramps, depression, irritability, anxiety, sugar cravings, mood swings, sore or tender breasts, altered sex drive, hair and skin problems and a whole host of other symptoms.
Any combination of this spectrum of premenstrual syndrome symptoms can strike. PMS therefore also stands for a Pretty Miserable Situation and Prominent Mood Shift for many women (and those around them!) during the last 2 weeks before their period begins. Not all women are affected by PMS symptoms, but many have to stand for a monthly cycle that seriously impacts their life.
So do all women have to stand for these PMS symptoms? Not necessarily. There are a number of strategies that can be adopted, which halt or at least minimize PMS symptoms for most women. A diet rich in whole wheat foods, fruits, vegetables and other complex carbohydrates certainly helps make this time of the month easier for most women. So too does avoiding caffeine and salt in the diet before and during PMS attacks.
A number of vitamin, mineral and other supplements, including vitamin E and vitamin B6, evening primrose oil, St Johns Wort, calcium, magnesium and manganese have been shown to be of significant benefit for a range of PMS symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids, regular gentle exercise, massage and lots of rest and relaxation in between will also ensure your body doesn't have to stand for every PMS symptom at its worst each month.
If you need even more help and intervention to address your PMS symptoms, then your doctor can prescribe diuretics, pain relief, anti-depressant and even hormone-based medications should your body need more aggressive intervention. Make whichever changes you need to restore balance and normality in your life during PMS and make sure that in future, PMS stands for a Pretty Mellow Sister!
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