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Four Treatments to Consider for Combating PMS

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood conditions known to humans (women in particular) is premenstrual syndrome aka PMS. Medical researchers do not know specifically what causes PMS although they do understand some of the factors that can contribute to it. Basically, there is some screw-up in the endocrine system (consists of all the glands like the thyroid, pituitary, pineal, hypothalamus, thymus, adrenals and of course, the ovaries) and the release of hormones, like estrogen and prostaglandin, are not released properly and can fluctuate.

While there are plenty of self-treatments like over the counter pain relievers, herbal remedies and the good old heating pad, sometimes you have to rely on some type of prescription medicine from your doctor. Your PMS symptoms will likely dictate the type of medication you are prescribed. Each woman is different - you will have different symptoms than someone else and because your body chemistry is different, you will react in different ways taking a medication. Taking that into account, here are four commonly prescribed PMS treatments:

1. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are common pain relievers that can be found in mild doses over the counter and include ibuprofren and naproxen sodium. However, there may be times when you need a stronger dose that only prescription strength can provide. These NSAIDs should be taken right before ovulation or as the PMS symptoms begin. They can relieve the painful cramping and body aches that are common to this condition.

2. Antidepressants - Sometimes, low levels of serotonin in the brain can cause PMS symptoms. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that sends signals to the part of the brain that controls appetite, sleep, mood and more. When serotonin levels are low, this creates the PMS symptoms like food cravings, fatigue, sleepiness and insomnia. Antidepressants like SSRIs which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors help reduce symptoms. Examples of the SSRIs include Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil.

3. Oral Contraceptives - Contraceptives inhibit the release of a mature egg during ovulation so there is little chance of pregnancy and they also regulate hormonally charged mood swings. As ovulation can cause cramping and hormones cause mood swings, oral contraceptives greatly reduce these PMS symptoms. The birth control pill called Yaz or Yasmin has an added bonus - it also works as a mild diuretic so you do not retain as much fluids as you normally would during PMS.

4. Diuretics - When bloating, gassiness and weight gain are problems during PMS, your doctor might prescribe a diuretic to reduce water retention by flushing the extra water through your kidneys and out of your body.

A few other prescription remedies exist for more serious or intense symptoms of PMS. For instance Depo Provera, an injectable contraceptive is sometimes used for the severest of symptoms to stop ovulation all together. The drawback is that it may also enhance other PMS symptoms like weight gain, larger appetite, depression and headaches. You may have to try several prescription remedies before hitting upon the right solution for your PMS symptoms. Just be sure you keep your doctor informed of your progress.