Relief for Premenstrual Syndrome – PMS Help!

If you’re suffering from premenstrual symptoms such as cramps, depression, irritability, or moodiness – here’s PMS help! These solutions for relief for premenstrual syndrome include supplements, natural solutions, and more serious treatments (such as antidepressants).

“PMS is a chronic, cyclic mood disorder distinguished by a set of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that affect approximately 4 out of 10 women…” writes Mary Jane Minkin, MD in Women’s Health for Life.

Note that she called premenstrual syndrome a mood disorder that recurs every month. It’s not “all in your head”! PMS symptoms are real, and they require thoughtful, effective treatments. Read Women’s Health For Life – it’s a gorgeous, easy to understand book – for more info about healthy women.

And, here are ways to find relief for PMS symptoms such as cramps, depression, irritability, or moodiness.

Relief for Premenstrual Syndrome – PMS Help!

If you have problems with your period, you might find 4 Types of Menstrual Period Problems helpful.

Natural endorphins. “This has been the mainstay of PMS therapy for years,” writes Dr Minkin. “Aerobic exercise for at least 30-45 minutes three to four times a week will help increase endorphins (the “feel good” hormones) in your brain, which are powerful stress relievers.” If you need help for PMS cramps or irritability, get outside and get your heart rate up for 45 minutes.

Food that reduce PMS symptoms. Eating a low salt, low concentrated carbohydrate diet may help with premenstrual symptoms. Eat lots of complex carbs, such as whole grains, beans, and oatmeal. If your periods are irregular, certain foods can regulate your menstrual cycle.

Vitamins E and B6. Tender breasts and the related discomfort that comes from premenstrual syndrome may be relieved by 200-400 units per day of vitamin E and 100-200 mg per day of vitamin B6.

Herbal help for PMS. “Some women swear by herbal remedies for premenstrual syndrome, but there are not sufficient scientific data to substantiate their effectiveness,” writes Dr Minkin. She says that evening primrose oil is the most popular (1,000 units or 2 standard capsules a day). She also cautions that herbal remedies aren’t regulated, so make sure you buy them from a reputable supplier and follow the directions on the bottle. Source Naturals Evening Primrose Oil is one of those reputable suppliers.

Antidepressants. If your premenstrual symptoms include fatigue, food cravings, mood swings, and sleeping problems, then antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed. (This is a little confusing, since most women with PMS do have those symptoms! But, if you severe PMS symptoms every month, then you might want to talk to your doctor about whether you’re struggling with depression as well).

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more serious version of PMS, and can seriously impair your ability to function normally. If you suffer from moderate to severe depression in the days leading up to your period, talk to your doctor about PMDD.

Do you have any PMS tips or advice for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome? I welcome your thoughts below!

To learn more, read How a Woman’s Period Affects Her Libido and Getting Pregnant.