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What Are Some of the Treatments for PMS

There are various treatments that doctors have been using to help relieve the symptoms of PMS. Natural progesterone is one treatment, herbal therapy is another way to go, and lifestyle changes, and dietary improvements and medications are other methods are used to treat PMS.

The doctors who use natural progesterone use it to get rid of the estrogen dominance that could be causing the PMS symptoms. Natural progesterone can be either vaginal or rectal. The pill form of progesterone does not work to relieve the symptoms of PMS. If the progesterone is purchased over-the-counter make sure the label states: progesterone USP. Progesterone cream relieves both the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS such as bloating, cramping, depression, fatigue, irritability, migraines and headaches, pain, and weight gain.

Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have also been used to treat women with severe PMS.

Women should consider improving their diet in order to decrease symptoms of PMS like appetite changes, and food cravings. They can reduce their intake of refined sugar, salt and increase carbohydrates. They should also eat fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats. Women who experience painful breasts should try staying away from caffeine in their foods and drinks and to try the herb, evening primrose oil, calcium (1000 mg) and vitamin B6 (100 mg). Just, make sure that you do not overdose on calcium and B6, because if you do it could be toxic.

Women who suffer from the severe form of PMS known as PMDD may need more than lifestyle changes, dietary improvements and supplements to relieve their symptoms.

Lifestyle changes that can benefit the woman with PMS are to not only eating healthier but to exercise regularly and to learn and practice stress management techniques.

PMS can also worsen other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

There is nothing so comforting when you are PMSing as a hot cup of chamomile tea and a heating pad to relax your abdominal muscles. Just watch the heat selection and do not leave a heating pad on while you sleep to avoid burns. Never use a heating pad along with a muscle pain reliever. Chamomile tea has been known to relax smooth muscle and to help a woman relax. There is also nothing so soothing as inhaling the fragrance coming from the cup of tea and holding the warm cup in your hands.

Women to help reduce PMS symptoms have used Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) successfully.

If you experience uncomfortable cramping you know that relieving them is a top priority. Try taking 1200 mg of calcium every day to help reduce the cramps and other premenstrual syndrome symptoms.