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Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) suffer from a collection of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms, which start about 7 days before the onset of a menstrual period. These symptoms tend to ease with the onset of mensus.
Women with PMS report feeling irritable, angry, depressed or anxious for no particular reason. There may also be difficulty in concentration, headaches, food cravings, bloating, breast tenderness or lumpiness as well as insomnia. Fortunately, only a small percentage of women (about 2 to 5%) have significant premenstrual symptoms.
Risk Factors for PMS
• Stress
• High caffeine intake
• Increasing age
• Family history of PMS
• History of depression
• Dietary factors (low levels of certain vitamins and minerals eg. Vitamin E, B6, manganese, magnesium)
What you can do to relieve symptoms of PMS
There are a number of self remedies which may help to ease the symptoms of PMS. Try them before the actual onset of symptoms.
• Eat small regular meals to reduce fluctuations in your sugar level. This will help prevent you from becoming irritable and anxious. Avoid sugary snacks. If you are hungry between meals, have wholemeal biscuits or fruit.
• Drink at least 6 - 8 glasses of water a day. Ensure that you are adequately hydrated.
• Cut down on your intake of caffeine, sugar and salt.
• Avoid alcohol intake.
• Some studies indicate that supplementation with Calcium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Magnesium and Manganese may be of benefit.
• Some evidence to suggest that Evening primrose oil and St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) may improve PMS symptoms.
• Try to find ways to reduce or cope with your level of stress eg. go out for evening jogs, do yoga, meditation etc.
• Use memory aids if you need to.
Medical Treatment
Occasionally, medical treatment may be required for very severe PMS symptoms. You should discuss this with your doctor if you feel that your symptoms have not improved after trying other non-medicinal measures.
• Hormonal intervention: eg. with oral contraceptive pills
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are typically used as anti-depressants, but are also used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, premature ejaculation and in some cases of severe PMS.
Find a Gynaecologist
The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Please see your doctor for professional advice.
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