Premenstrual

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term used to describe a collection of physical, mental and emotional symptoms which most commonly happen from a week to a few days before a period starts.

Many women suffer the symptoms of PMS to some extent, but from 5-10% of women PMS can be so severe that it severely disrupts their lives.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PMS include:

bloating or fluid retention
fatigue
headache/migraine
acne
backache
tender/sore breasts
cramp pains
generalised nausea
altered bowel habits
nervous tension
anxiety
agitation
irritability
depression
confusion
forgetfulness
crying
loss of interest in sex
low self-esteem
mood swings
clumsiness
avoidance of social activities
alcohol binges
loss of work performance.

Treatment

Treatments for PMS include:

self-help remedies, i.e. diet and lifestyle modification
mild diuretics
vitamin/mineral supplements
vitamin B6
evening primrose oil
anti-depressants
stress management
alternative/complementary therapies
hormone therapy
support.

Lifestyle

Diet
Eat a well-balanced diet. Eat little and often and do not skip meals. Reduce sugar and junk foods and try and eat lots of fruit and vegetables and unprocessed foods. Reduce your salt intake and eat more fibre-rich carbohydrates like wholemeal bread, pasta and rice, beans, pulses and potatoes.

Reduce your dietary fat intake, especially saturated fats and eat foods high in vitamin B6 and magnesium, such as dried grains, beans, sea foods, tomatoes and peanuts.

Limit your intake of tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks such as cola, and alcohol.

Exercise
Exercise stimulates the bodys natural endorphins that produce a sense of well being and can help lift your mood.

Copy re-produced courtesy of Katrina Martin