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Causes and Popular Treatments For Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome affects many lives each month, not just the women who suffer physically, mentally and emotionally but those who live with the women and watch them suffer or who suffer themselves as relationships crumble due to severe bouts of depression, or physical/mental abuse initiated by the extreme mood swings and irrational behavior that is often cited as being symptoms of the syndrome. As dramatic as the condition is and as many studies as have been conducted there is still no known cause of the PMS symptoms. It is also not known why some women have no symptoms, and others have mild symptoms or severe symptoms that force them to abandon the activities or relationships they once enjoyed while they suffer from symptoms that can be overwhelming.

The symptoms are usually triggered by the release of the egg (ova) during ovulation, a time in the woman's menstrual cycle. At the time of ovulation, estrogen is peaking. This hormone rises and falls several times throughout the cycle. Estrogen is a powerful hormone that can contribute to brain activity; seizures and can even trigger a drop in blood sugar.

There is a special form of PMS called, "Postpartum Depression". This form of PMS occurs after the birth of a baby. During pregnancy there are high levels of hormones surging through the woman's body and the woman can feel, "the blues" as the hormone levels drastically change after the birth of the baby. The woman can experience deep depression in which many have been witnessed causing harm to themselves or to others, including their own children. The typical treatment for this form of PMS is hormone replacement therapy.

Other treatments for Postpartum Depression and other PMS sufferers include diet improvements that reduce or eliminate all salt, refined sugars; alcohol, caffeine and fats form the diet. Reducing or cutting out these substances can reduce bloating, depression, fatigue, and also tension.

Daily supplements may be prescribed to help relieve PMS symptoms. Supplements may include vitamins and minerals that a doctor will need to regulate as overdosing can be a serious matter.

Exercise is also a very important part of reducing the stress and tension that can be such a part of PMS. Exercise releases endorphins, which help us to "feel good". It is recommended that women suffering from PMS make an effort to exercise at least 3 times a week from 20 to 30 minutes each session.

When designing a treatment plan the underlying hormonal imbalances must be addressed for the treatment of PMS to be successful. Certain medications that have been prescribed in the past have had unfortunate side effects such as sleepiness, forgetfulness, and being uncommunicative.