Learn More: PMS
Treatment of PMS Symptoms
Most women can successfully manage PMS with a combination of education and lifestyle changes. Try some of the following for several months to see if they help you.
| Symptom | Treatment |
| bloating and fluid retention; swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet | Limit salt intake and salty foods in your diet for 1 to 2 weeks before your period begins. Drink plenty of water and low-sodium juice. |
| cramping in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs | Regular workouts such as aerobic exercise three times per week (e.g., walking, jogging, biking, or swimming) can help decrease the severity of cramps and increase endorphin levels. (Endorphins help the body deal with depression and physical pain.) |
| cramps, bloating, or headache | Try a nonprescription (over-the-counter) PMS medication. Many contain a combination of drugs to help alleviate cramps, bloating, and headache. |
| cramps, tense muscles, or backache | Take a warm bath, use a heating pad or a hot water bottle, and drink herbal tea (e.g., chamomile, mint, raspberry, or blackberry) to help relax tense muscles and alleviate anxious moods. A good massage is also useful. |
| depression or mood swings | Avoid alcohol before the start of your period. |
| depression | Join a PMS self-help group. You can get referrals from your doctor, local health agencies, and hospitals. |
| emotional stress, tension, or anxiety | Record your symptoms in a journal for a few months. You may be able to tolerate PMS when you can see that your symptoms are short-lived. |
| food craving | Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Don't skip meals. Eat at the same time each day, if possible. |
| general | Be good to yourself. Reduce your stress level as much as possible. Try yoga or deep-breathing relaxation techniques. Talk with others. PMS also affects the people you live and work with. |
| general | Make sure that you're getting enough calcium in your diet. A large study in New York found that PMS patients who took 1,200 mg per day of calcium carbonate had only one-half as many symptoms after three monthly cycles. You can take a calcium supplement or load up on calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, and broccoli. |
| general | Take your vitamins. Studies show that deficiencies in magnesium, B6, and B12 are associated with high levels of estrogen in the blood, and high estrogen levels contribute to PMS. (Chocolate cravings have been linked to low magnesium levels.) |
| general | Maintain a healthy weight. Excessive body weight increases the chance of excessive levels of estrogen in your blood. Studies show that women suffering from PMS have higher levels of estrogen in their blood. |
| irritability, tension, or breast soreness | Avoid or limit caffeine. If you normally consume a lot of caffeine, taper your reduction to avoid caffeine-withdrawal headaches. |
Start your aerobic exercise program at the RealAge Workout Center.
