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Treating The Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Women are asked to try lifestyle, diet and exercise changes before using medications but for some women there is no relief from symptoms without the aid of medications. The medications that can bring relief from PMS include antidepressants, diuretics, painkillers, drugs that suppress ovarian function, and oral contraceptive pills.

Diuretics are used to increase the rate of urine production so that the body can eliminate excess fluid from the tissues of the body. Common diuretics include Diurex PMS, Midol PMS, Pamprin Multisymptom and Premsyn PMS.

Painkillers are used to treat menstrual cramping, headaches and pelvic discomfort. Common painkillers used are NSAIDs, and Acetaminophen. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are sometimes prescribed by doctors to relieve PMS symptoms because they improve hormonal fluctuations. Antidepressants are used to treat mood disturbances related to PMS. Prozac and Paxil are two commonly used antidepressants.

Most women can find some measure of relief by combining diet changes, exercise, support by family and friends, and medications.

Your treatment plan should be tailored to meet your individual needs. No two women are the same when it comes to the symptoms of PMS or in finding treatment plans that are successful at reducing or eliminating their symptoms.

How can exercise help relieve PMS symptoms?

Evidence suggests that physical activity can improve general health and al can relieve nervous tension and anxiety, two symptoms of PMS. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the "feel good" chemical messengers for your nerves that can affect your mood, your perception of pain, and can also have an impact on memory retention and your ability to learn. Aerobic exercises can increase the body's ability to use oxygen, which can be beneficial to relieving tension and stress. Exercise can also control weight and decrease fluid retention.

There may not be a cure for PMS at this time but making an effort to treat the symptoms can make getting through the time before our periods easier. When women manage the signs and symptoms of PMS they not only bring relief to their emotional and physical symptoms but they can function better, make better decisions if they are not so stressed out and can lead more healthy and productive lives. After all having PMS each and every month while in the reproductive years is a huge part of a woman's life.

Making diet changes and lifestyle changes that can improve the PMS symptoms and at the same time makes you healthier is a good thing. Dietary changes include avoiding refined sugar and salt, avoiding caffeine, and avoiding alcohol. Improve lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking if you are a smoker and eating healthier so that your body can have the nutrition it needs to fight stress.