Understanding PMS Part -2

Having looked at the causes, symptoms and methods to diagnose PMS, it is now time to consider prevention and treatment.

Prevention

Menstruation is a natural process and the premenstrual syndrome is part of this. There is no way to completely prevent it or reduce the discomfit it causes and the effect it can have on your life. However, by understanding the nature of what you are going through, you will be able to cope with it better. The best way to do this is to talk to your doctor not only about PMS in general but also about any specific issues you may be facing. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the changes, usually minor, that you can make to your lifestyle to reduce the discomfort and find relief. These steps usually consist of nothing more than proper exercise, the right diet and getting enough rest. Over and above, if your condition requires specific treatment or medication, the doctor can prescribe what is best for you. 

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for PMS as such. What is available are ways to relieve the symptoms and make life more comfortable during those difficult days. Besides consulting a specialist about your condition, the following tips can help you to deal with it better.

• Understand your condition. Keep a dairy of your PMS symptoms, including how severe they are and how long they last. These can vary from month to month, but over a period of a few months the diary will allow you to understand how your moods and physical condition, are affected in the days before your period. Once you know that, you will be able to plan your month to minimize those activities that cause you the most distress during the PMS days.  If that does not provide enough relief, your diary will help your doctor to decide if medication can help and if so, what to prescribe.
• A healthy diet can help to control both the physical and also the mental symptoms. Reducing your intake of salt, sugar and caffeine is known to help in reducing the symptoms.  The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises that a diet rich in complex carbohydrates can help in relieving the symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend nutritional supplements like calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and E.
• Proper exercise can help your body to cope with the stress of PMS. The best exercise for PMS related issues is an aerobic style exercise, like walking. Continuing the exercise, perhaps at a lower intensity, during the PMS days can also help your body to cope with the condition.
• There are over the counter medications that can help in controlling the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce the intensity of cramps, breast tenderness and head and back aches. If depression or anxiety is a serious problem, your doctor may prescribe the use of antidepressants. Diuretics may also be prescribed to reduce fluid retention.

Nontraditional treatments and home remedies can do more harm than good. The best way to deal with PMS and limit the impact it has on your life is to consult your gynecologist. If you do want to try home remedies, discuss them with your doctor before starting the remedies.