Treatment and Prevention
Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle generally help with PMS. Speaking with your doctor may help remove fears surrounding this diagnosis. A combination of one or more of the following treatments may help relieve symptoms:
Medications: Taking oral contraceptives may help stabilize the changes in hormone levels and stop ovulation. Bloating and water retention can be improved by cutting down on salt and by using a mild diuretic that will make you urinate. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen* or ibuprofen can help relieve headaches, joint pain, and menstrual cramping. The antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are widely used to manage psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression. These antidepressants have been proven to help manage PMS. However, you need to discuss this with your doctor first before starting any medication or herbal remedy to make sure it's appropriate and safe for you.
Changes in diet: Cutting back on sugar, coffee, and alcohol may provide some relief from symptoms. Taking supplements containing calcium or evening primrose oil may be helpful for some women. Studies suggest that treatments such as vitamin B6 supplements, magnesium, gammalinoleic acid, and bromocriptine are generally not useful.
Exercise: Regular exercise and stress reduction techniques may decrease nervousness and agitation, as well as reduce symptoms associated with PMS.
Counseling: Speaking to a counselor may help some women cope better with the psychological effects of PMS.
Keeping a symptom diary can give you and your doctor a better picture of your symptoms, and help you evaluate the effects of different treatments.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.