Acknowledge PMS as a real condition
While men often attribute a woman's bad mood or food craving to PMS, it is important to
realize that PMS is a genuine medical condition. If your symptoms are affecting your
life, contact your doctor. There are a number of treatment methods available
to you. If your doctor is insensitive or dismisses your concerns
about PMS, shop around for another doctor who will take your
symptoms seriously.
Start a menstrual diary
This simple tool can help you identify your most common PMS
symptoms. Track your symptoms and any steps you are taking to
relieve or reduce them. This will help you determine what is
working and what is not so that you can refine your efforts. A
diary can also help you talk to your physician about other
treatment options when your current treatment plan is not as
effective as you would like.
Avoid stress
Since stress can worsen
your PMS symptoms, try to schedule stressful events for the week
after your period. You can also ask your doctor about stress
reduction techniques such as breathing exercises.
Attend a support group
You might want to talk with someone who has a better understanding
of what you are going through. Support
groups provide women with a place to talk about their symptoms
without being dismissed. You can also compare information on
remedies and talk about ways you are affected by your menstrual
cycle.
Keep track of your menstrual cycle
By keeping track of your menstrual cycle you will know when to
reduce the amount of alcohol and caffeine in your diet and when you
need extra sleep.
Stay active
Women who are inactive are at greater risk of PMS symptoms. And,
many symptoms can be lessened or relieved with activity. Get
yourself into a regular exercise routine and don't give in to the
temptation to skip your activities when PMS symptoms begin. Talk to
your physician about the type and level of exercise that are
appropriate for you.
Get enough sleep
Your body might need more sleep than usual as your period
approaches. Don't ignore this need. Getting adequate rest can help
reduce or relieve PMS symptoms.
Pay attention to your diet
Food cravings aside, PMS symptoms could be trying to tell you
something about your diet. A number of common symptoms have been
linked to deficiencies of certain vitamins. Try to eat a healthier
diet and talk with your physician about vitamins or supplements
that may help. You may even want to ask for a referral to a
registered dietitian, who can help you make long-term changes in
your eating habits.
Beware of "natural" or "herbal" remedies
There is no cure for PMS and no way of preventing symptoms from
occurring. Any drug or medication available for PMS relief must be
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and
effectiveness. But "herbal" or "natural" products are considered to
be food and not drugs. Therefore, they are not regulated by the
FDA. Some of these products might contain ingredients that will
interact with certain medications. To be safe, you should discuss
any product you are considering with your physician before taking
it.
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