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Treating PMS with Diet, Exercise and Medication

Women can be treated for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) through the use of exercise, dietary changes, and in some cases medication.

Exercise has an unbelievable effect on hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle. Those women who exercise on a regular basis experience less anger and depression symptoms. Exercise also helps to reduce stress and we know that stress can increase the intensity of your PMS symptoms. Women who suffer from PMS should exercise on a regular basis at least 20 to 45 minutes 3 days a week.

Dietary changes can have an affect on your PMS symptoms. If you drink tea and also increase your carbohydrate intake during the weeks before your period you may experience fewer PMS symptoms. This works because carbohydrates increase the level of neurotransmitter serotonin. If you have a low level of serotonin that has been linked to depression in PMS sufferers. Other diet changes that may help to reduce your PMS symptoms is to reduce or even eliminate alcohol consumption, and reduce the intake of animal fats, caffeine, dairy products, refined sugar, and salt. Taking vitamins especially B6 may also be beneficial for those who suffer PMS.

If you reduce your stress level or at least learn how to manage your stress better you can less the effect PMS symptoms have on you. Exercise is a wonderful way to reduce stress in your life.

If you have tried exercise, diet changes and other lifestyle changes such as reducing or avoiding alcohol and reducing your stress and you still are troubled by PMS it may be time to see a doctor regarding your symptoms. The doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve some of the symptoms.

Alprazolam is one medication that is prescribed to relieve depression and anxiety. This medication can be addictive so be careful.

Prozac is also helpful and is well tolerated for women who take it to reduce PMS symptoms.

If you doctor prescribes GnRH agonist know that it also increases your risk for osteoporosis. Make sure that you look at all your options before taking this medication.

Women have also discovered that there are benefits to taking YAZ® for birth control, because not only is it approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because it is effective at preventing pregnancy it is also known to treat emotional and physical symptoms of PMS.

When it comes to treating your symptoms of PMS always start with the least harmful or addictive method and work up to more intense treatments. Make dietary changes and really make an effort to exercise at least 3 days a week for 20 to 45 minutes each time before making the plunge to prescribed medications, which may have side effects, addiction and added cost to your list of complications associated with having a period.