PMS Remedies and Treatments

Some women may first have PMS in their teens or 20s, others don't until their 30s. PMS can come and go during reproductive years. Symptoms may worsen before menopause, or even in your late 30s or 40s. PMS only normally occurs in women who ovulate during their monthly menstrual cycle. Therefore PMS does not occur during pregnancy, menopause, or when taking birth control pills. However, similar hormone-related symptoms may occur.Although PMS cannot be cured, lifestyle changes and medication choices can reduce pms symptoms.

To treat PMS successfully, it is important to take note of when the symptoms occur, in relation to the menstrual cycle, and what symptoms they are. Together with lifestyle changes, there are home treatments that can relieve PMS. After a few menstrual cycles, there should be some improvement in symptoms. If there are not, medical/drug treatment should be sought.

Some home treatments and lifestyle changes for PMS include the following;
* Get regular exercise. Exercise can reduce depression, as well as relieve tension, pain, and mood-related PMS symptoms.
* Reduce stress. While stress is not a cause of PMS, it can worsen PMS symptoms. Coping with stress can also be more difficult during the premenstrual period.
* Reduce caffeine, refined sugar and sodium intake. Especially during the premenstrual phase of the cycle. These substances are linked to emotional and physical PMS symptoms, such as insomnia, tension and anxiety, food cravings, pain and bloating.
* Follow a balanced diet and avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
* Take daily calcium and vitamin B6. Both of these vitamins affect the hormone-producing endocrine system. Calcium is strongly linked to PMS symptoms and relief. Daily vitamin B6 is thought to improve PMS depression and physical symptoms.
* Use nonprescription medications, like non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for headaches, joint or muscle pain, breast pain, or cramps.

Surgical removal of the ovaries for PMS is very rare. It is only done in very extreme conditions of PMS and when no other treatments have worked.

Some alternative treatments for PMS include relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or massage. Sleep deprivation therapy, bright light therapy and acupuncture have also been used to treat PMS.