Those women who are diagnosed with PMS are not just experiencing physical symptoms that are uncomfortable they are experiencing mood swings, anxiety, and depression. They are irritable, and have a decreased ability to concentrate. There may be emotional symptoms involved such as aggression, and withdrawing from society, or they may go on a crying spell for no particular reason.

The physical symptoms vary from one person to another but may include breast tenderness, bloating of ankles and swollen abdomen, weight gain, abdominal cramps, backaches, headaches, even migraines, and also joint and muscle pain. Some women experience changes in sleep patterns such as not being able to fall asleep or they may wake up frequently and have difficulty falling back to sleep. They may become extremely fatigued or have a decrease in their normal sexual desire. Eating habits may change including overeating, or experiencing food cravings. They may feel a sense of quilt because of the symptoms they are experiencing and how they are affecting the other family members.

Some women experience anxiety, confusion, alcohol intolerances, acne, hives, swelling in the hands, feet or legs, asthma symptoms increase, or they experience more urinary problems, sore throat, or dizziness. Some women even grow faint or experience heart poundings (palpitations).

There are several menstrual disorders that relate to a woman’s menstruation. A woman who has PMS experiences a range of physical and emotional symptoms that actually affect their ability to perform daily activities or how they relate to others. There is even a severe form of PMS called, “premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or it is called luteal phase dysphoric disorder by some. PMS typically appears for the first time when the woman is in her mid-20s. As many as 75% of menstruating women experience either mild or moderate PMS. PMDD affects 3% to 5% of U.S. women. Typically PMDD is diagnosed when women are in their mid-30s.

So one thing that sets apart women who experience typical period discomfort from PMS symptoms is that women who have PMS, they cannot function in their daily lives when they are experiencing symptoms related to their periods. They are unable to function due to the intensity of the symptoms or they may not be able to function because of how many symptoms they are experiencing all at once. It is also possible that one symptom may be enough to “shut them down” such as having a crying spell in which they can do nothing else besides cry, or someone who is severely depressed and can’t get out of bed.

Related posts:

1. Which Symptoms Of Pms Do I Have And How Do I Treat Them It is important for women of childbearing age to recognize...
2. Pms Symptoms And Who When And Why Do We Get Them PMS symptoms are what a woman experiences days or even...
3. The Impact Pms Has On The Well Think about the impact that something would have on your...
4. When To Seek Medical Help And What Can Be Done About Pms You have noticed symptoms that you believe to be PMS....
5. Pms Magnification Symptoms And How It Aggravates Other Conditions PMS symptoms are often viewed as a regular part of...

While there are plenty of self-treatments like over the counter pain relievers, herbal remedies and the good old heating pad, sometimes you have to rely on some type of prescription medicine from your doctor. Your PMS symptoms will likely dictate the type of medication you are prescribed. Each woman is different – you will have different symptoms than someone else and because your body chemistry is different, you will react in different ways taking a medication. Taking that into account, here are four commonly prescribed PMS treatments:

1. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are common pain relievers that can be found in mild doses over the counter and include ibuprofren and naproxen sodium. However, there may be times when you need a stronger dose that only prescription strength can provide. These NSAIDs should be taken right before ovulation or as the PMS symptoms begin. They can relieve the painful cramping and body aches that are common to this condition.

2. Antidepressants – Sometimes, low levels of serotonin in the brain can cause PMS symptoms. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that sends signals to the part of the brain that controls appetite, sleep, mood and more. When serotonin levels are low, this creates the PMS symptoms like food cravings, fatigue, sleepiness and insomnia. Antidepressants like SSRIs which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors help reduce symptoms. Examples of the SSRIs include Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil.

3. Oral Contraceptives – Contraceptives inhibit the release of a mature egg during ovulation so there is little chance of pregnancy and they also regulate hormonally charged mood swings. As ovulation can cause cramping and hormones cause mood swings, oral contraceptives greatly reduce these PMS symptoms. The birth control pill called Yaz or Yasmin has an added bonus – it also works as a mild diuretic so you do not retain as much fluids as you normally would during PMS.

4. Diuretics – When bloating, gassiness and weight gain are problems during PMS, your doctor might prescribe a diuretic to reduce water retention by flushing the extra water through your kidneys and out of your body.

A few other prescription remedies exist for more serious or intense symptoms of PMS. For instance Depo Provera, an injectable contraceptive is sometimes used for the severest of symptoms to stop ovulation all together. The drawback is that it may also enhance other PMS symptoms like weight gain, larger appetite, depression and headaches. You may have to try several prescription remedies before hitting upon the right solution for your PMS symptoms. Just be sure you keep your doctor informed of your progress.

Related posts:

1. What Treatments Are Available To Women Suffering From Pms There are many treatments for PMS available for women suffering...
2. Pill Popping Measures To Reduce Pms Premenstrual syndrome occurs usually between the time of ovulation and...
3. Causes And Popular Treatments For Prementrual Syndrome Premenstrual syndrome affects many lives each month, not just the...
4. Receiving The Diagnosis Of Pms And Finding What Treatment Plan Works For You If you discuss the possibility of PMS with your doctor...
5. Typical Pms Treatments To Make You Feel More Human Again Are you one of the many women who experiences emotional...

Do you ever get anxious, feel irritable, have unexplained crying spells, tend to be verbally or physically abusive just prior to your period each month? Do you ever feel depressed, confused, forgetful, clumsy, fearful, or withdrawn from the things that normally give you pleasure? Do you get frequent cravings for chocolate or other sweets just prior to the beginning of your menstrual cycle? Do you get headaches, retain fluids that cause bloating, and does your breasts become tender and swollen and also have you noticed weight gain just before your period starts? If you have noticed one or more of these symptoms 7 to 14 days before the start of your monthly period, you just may have PMS. Your PMS symptoms may be causing people you know and care about to look at you and say, “Who is that woman? She sure isn’t acting like she normally does!”

PMS is a disorder that is connected to the hormonal changes a woman’s body goes through on a monthly basis. These hormonal changes can trigger the symptoms that women have been experiencing for decades that turn them from normal, caring individuals into completely out of character, highly emotional individuals that make you want to avoid them.

Her symptoms may vary from month to month so that no two months have the exact same symptoms. She may also have them mild one month and experience severe symptoms the next month. She may even have a symptom-free month thrown in there from time to time. There are physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with PMS. The syndrome was originally described in 1931 by an American neurologist and it has been talked about ever since as women and their suffering has created a market for PMS drugs, books on PMS and even story lines in movies written about the sufferings and the crazy things a woman may do while experiencing PMS.

Women tend to sympathize with each other, but men usually have no idea what the woman in their lives is going through. If the symptoms are severe, they can even have a negative impact on the relationship. It is important for any woman who is experiencing the above signs or symptoms to seek medical counsel and perhaps a diagnosis, so that she can start to feel some relief from her symptoms and others will once again recognize her for whom she really is.

Related posts:

1. Is What I Have Premenstrual Syndrome If you are a woman and menstruating, you may wonder...
2. What Are Your Pms Symptoms Most menstruating women can admit to experiencing some pre-period symptoms,...
3. Pms Symptoms And Who When And Why Do We Get Them PMS symptoms are what a woman experiences days or even...
4. Identifying Premenstrual Syndrome And Learning How To Deal With It Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women in the weeks before their...
5. The Impact Pms Has On The Well Think about the impact that something would have on your...

Scientists and doctors have noted over 150 distinct symptoms related to PMS and of course, not every woman is going to get them. The most common symptoms groused about by women include cramping, mood swings and fatigue. It is important to note that the same symptoms do not always appear each month. In fact, some months you may not experience any problems at all. There may be no rhyme or reason as to why PMS symptoms come and go on a biological whim.

Some symptoms of PMS read like a laundry list of symptoms for other ailments except for the fact they disappear right around when you period appears only to return during the next cycle. Here is a listing of the most commonly reported PMS symptoms: cramping, headaches, bloating, gas, mood swings, depression, fluid retention, backaches, constipation, anxiety, clumsiness, low sex drive, fatigue, joint aches, general irritability and heart palpitations.

When you break out the symptoms of PMS, there are four main concentrations of symptoms that the above listed are usually grouped in. There may be some broad treatments that can be prescribed based on these four main groups of symptoms. Here they are:

1. Anxiety induced symptoms – Variable mood swings are captured in this broad category and usually includes irritability and crying for no apparent reason. Basically, emotional ties are sensitive thus playing into the crying and irritability. During PMS, women may also have a rather sharp tongue, not thinking of others feelings before speaking.

2. Biological cravings – There are many cravings that PMS-ing women have during “that” time of the month but some of them can actually exacerbate them! Chocolate is a big craving but it has caffeine, an ingredient that should be avoided as it can cause fluid retention and bloating. The same symptoms apply to the consumption of alcohol and whole milk dairy products. Salty items should be avoided as well because the salt causes fluid retention.

3. Headaches and lethargy – Because the chemicals in your brain may become a bit unbalanced during PMS, these changes can cause headaches, even migraines in worst case scenarios. Some doctors theorize that the fluid retention is a contributing factor. Weight gain, bloating and breast tenderness are associated with fatigue and lethargy.

4. Depression and absent-mindedness – In a small percentage of cases, depression can occur in PMS-ing women. Worst case scenarios often run through their head and very rare occasions, suicide or the death of loved ones may be obsessed over. Primarily, you might be clumsy and forgetful and on occasion, a bit paranoid.

The majority of women find relief from PMS with over the counter pain relievers, heating pads, massage, exercise, diet restriction and even the use of herbs. If you fall into that small percentage of women who suffer each month without an alleviation of symptoms, a gynecologist specialist may needed to be consulted to see if there are any deeper health issues that may be contributing to the problem.

Related posts:

1. Pms Symptoms And Who When And Why Do We Get Them PMS symptoms are what a woman experiences days or even...
2. Are You Curious About PMS What questions do you have about PMS? If you are...
3. Which Symptoms Of Pms Do I Have And How Do I Treat Them It is important for women of childbearing age to recognize...
4. Did You Know This About Premenstrual Syndrome Did you know that Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) has over 150...
5. Identifying Premenstrual Syndrome And Learning How To Deal With It Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women in the weeks before their...

Effectiveness of Exercise against Dreaded PMS

A number of studies throughout the world have been conducted in regards to how effective exercise really is against the symptoms of PMS. Typically, there are several groups established – one sedentary type that is introduced to exercise and one with active women already. The active women did not really have any changes to their PMS world because their symptoms were already less than the sedentary group. However, the sedentary group who started exercising was tested for PMS symptoms six months after and virtually all reported that their PMS symptoms greatly lessened or disappeared altogether. Many reported that their breast tenderness was almost gone; they had less cramping, fewer mood swings and less bloating.

Exercise is a great way to relieve tension and its health benefits like higher metabolism and great circulation certainly help health matters. Being physically active means you will have more energy because your cells are getting more oxygen. Endorphins are produced in the brain as a result of exercise and give you a natural “high.” These endorphins boost your mood as well as stabilize blood sugar and even alleviate depression and anxiety. You feel more in control of your PMS when you exercise and in fact, other symptoms like cramping and food cravings lessen too.

Types of Exercise to Do

Aerobic exercise is often the best as it does not put undue stress on the body which could make PMS worse. Moderation is the key and swimming, biking, walking, jogging and dancing are just a few of many activities that are perfect for curbing those symptoms. The target exercise regiment is around 30-45 minutes per day, at least five days a week. It is certainly doable if you learn to make exercise a habit and part of the daily routine.

Some women may prefer strength training to aerobic exercise. While strength training is good for you, it will not work in alleviating PMS symptoms, unlike aerobic activity. Another exercise you can indulge in is yoga. This practice of deep breathing, meditation and easy stretching relieves stress and tension in the body which can in turn alleviate certain symptoms of PMS like cramping, fatigue, lack of concentration, mood swings and headaches.

Examine your daily routine and decide which exercise options would best fit into your life. Early morning or late night exercising are great options as well as forgoing a lengthy lunch in favor of walking or some other exercise. Just remember – a reduction or elimination of PMS symptoms is your reward.

Related posts:

1. The Benefits Of Exercise For Diabetics Anyone that has been diagnosed with Diabetes has heard that...
2. What Type Of Exercise Is Best Exercise helps control blood glucose because exercising muscle cells use...
3. Exercise Your Way To A Healthy Heart The biggest killer in the United States is heart disease...
4. The Effect Of Exercise On Diabetes If you have Diabetes it is extremely important that you...
5. The Importance Of Cross Training Cross training refers to engaging in several different exercises and...

The symptoms are both emotional and physical and can cause so much havoc in a woman’s life during the week to two weeks prior to her period each month that she is unable to function normally at work, school or home. The symptoms can become so bad that she needs medication in order to have some measure of relief. She can experience PMS so severely that she develops PMDD, a condition of physical symptoms that are really severe.

Women can experience a few of the symptoms each month, maybe different ones on different months and the intensity to which they feel the symptoms can also change, mild one month and severe the next.

The most common symptoms of PMS are abdominal bloating, acne, anxiety, backache, confusion, crying spells, depression, fatigue, food cravings, forgetfulness, irritability, joint or muscle pain, trouble focusing, water retention and the resultant weight gain. The cramping that women experience before and during their period is caused by the fluctuating levels of prostaglandin’s or hormones, which stimulate the muscles in the uterus to contract. You can minimize the cramps by exercising and by taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

You can experience symptoms of PMS anywhere from 11 to 5 days before your period is due to start. The symptoms typically stop a day or two after your period starts. Women who have symptoms as early as 2 weeks before the start of their period may have PMDD, which is a more severe form of PMS.

When women experience PMS symptoms 2 weeks before their period is due and the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with how they function at work, school or at home they may have PMDD. PMDD needs to be treated by a doctor so that the woman can have some relief from her severe symptoms.

Making sure the woman has a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables complex carbohydrates, and lean meats can treat PMS symptoms. She should also try to exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 to 45 minutes minimum. It is important to get enough rest at night and to avoid smoking and drinking of alcohol. Avoid salt, refined sugar and fats. The doctor may prescribe nonprescription medications to help with the pain and discomfort as well as the bloating. The doctor may prescribe prescription medications such as diuretics, oral contraceptives and SSRIs. Some women have turned to various alternative remedies to help relieve the PMS symptoms.

Alternative remedies for PMS include calcium (1,200 mg in chewable form to reduce the physical and psychological symptoms, magnesium (400 mg) to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating, vitamin B6 (50 – 100 mg), vitamin E (400 international units) to reduce cramps and breast tenderness, herbal remedies such as black cohosh, ginger, raspberry leaf, dandelion, chasteberry and evening primrose oil. Women have also used natural progesterone creams to relieve symptoms. Women should always check with their doctor before using herbs or dietary supplements.

Related posts:

1. Pms Symptoms And Who When And Why Do We Get Them PMS symptoms are what a woman experiences days or even...
2. Which Symptoms Of Pms Do I Have And How Do I Treat Them It is important for women of childbearing age to recognize...
3. What Are Your Pms Symptoms Most menstruating women can admit to experiencing some pre-period symptoms,...
4. The Right Time To Consult Your Doctor About Pms If you are like a majority of women, you have...
5. Can You Explain Premenstrual Syndrome To Me Perhaps your doctor has concerns that you may have premenstrual...

Some women choose to make dietary changes such as increasing carbohydrates and avoiding alcohol, salt, refined sugar and dietary fats. It has also been shown that exercising can help to reduce some of the symptoms of PMS. Reducing your intake of caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes can also reduce the symptoms of PMS.

There are some non-hormonal treatments that can have a positive effect on your PMS symptoms. Taking adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 can reduce mood swings and irritability. It is important to be careful not to take too high of a dose of Vitamin B6, so check with your doctor. Evening primrose oil (EPO) has also been used to slightly relieve women of premenstrual breast pain. Bromocriptine and cabergoline have also been shown to reduce the hormone prolactin, which stimulates breast soreness. These drugs should NOT be used long-term and should be used under a doctor’s supervision. Diuretics or water tablets, can give some relief to those who suffer from ankle swelling, but will not have an effect on abdominal bloating. Diuretics should be taken in the lowest dose possible, and for only a few days each month. Antidepressants called SSRIs such as Prozac are often used in severe PMS cases where symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and depression are present.

Hormonal preparations have also been used to elevate progestogen in the bloodstream but scientific studies do not support the use of progestogens to treat PMS.

Some women experience increased PMS symptoms when oral contraceptive pills are used, so these pills should not be prescribed if the woman is experiencing any PMS symptoms.

There are some initial studies that show that the particular pill called Yasmin, shows some benefit to women with PMS, but more studies are needed.

Scientific studies do support the usage of Danazol which is a synthetic hormone based on male hormone (testosterone) and may be suitable to be used in low doses. There are side effects to using Danazol including body hair growth and other masculinising effects. Anyone using Danazol must avoid getting pregnant while on this medication.

Oestrogen patches, implants, and Mirena intra-uterine system (IUS):

Patches or implants can suppress ovulation and reduce the naturally occurring hormone fluctuations. There is some evidence that using these can benefit women with PMS but patches and implants should only be used when being seen by a gynecologist. Most women experience improvement in PMS symptoms when using the intra-uterine contraceptive device called, Mirena and this device can be combined with a patch or implant.

If the woman is experiencing severe PMS symptoms medications such as LHRH analogues or GnRH analogues (Zoladex, Prostap, and Synarel) can be prescribed by a gynecologist. These can only be used short-term and only up to 6 months. These medications can increase your risk for osteoporosis and must be used under medical supervision.

Women who have severe PMS symptoms and do not have any relief from natural or medicated treatments may consider having surgical removal of the ovaries, which will allow them to be free of PMS symptoms.

Related posts:

1. Causes And Popular Treatments For Prementrual Syndrome Premenstrual syndrome affects many lives each month, not just the...
2. Can You Explain Premenstrual Syndrome To Me Perhaps your doctor has concerns that you may have premenstrual...
3. Common Medical Treatments For Fibromyalgia Treatment plans for those with fibromyalgia are not of the...
4. Pms Symptoms And Who When And Why Do We Get Them PMS symptoms are what a woman experiences days or even...
5. Four Treatments To Consider For Combating Pms Perhaps one of the most misunderstood conditions known to humans...

Diagnosis

Before a doctor will definitively pin the PMDD label on you, they will test you for emotional disorders that could be mimicking PMS such as a panic disorder or even bipolar disorder. There may also be physical conditions that could be misleading you to a PMDD diagnosis. A thyroid condition is a possibility as it controls some hormones in the body. Menopause, the development of fibroids or even endometriosis could create symptoms of PMS. These conditions have to be ruled out before any type of treatment can begin for PMDD.

The doctors will likely take blood samples to be tested for such things as blood count and electrolytes. The liver, thyroid and kidneys will also be tested in addition to going through a gynecological exam. Your medical history and that of your family will also be under scrutiny and look for things like alcoholism, drug use and current living conditions and levels of stress.

PMDD, while not rare, only affects a small population of women, usually three to five percent. If you have a family history of emotional disorders, PMS problems, postpartum depression and other related conditions, you are at greater risk than others for PMDD. Even preventable conditions in the family like alcoholism and drug use can show a propensity for weakness in certain areas of the brain.

The cause of PMDD, like with PMS, is not definitively known. Most experts do agree that hormonal changes related to the reproductive system and menstruation is the likely culprit. They also note that serotonin levels in the brain are low when PMDD symptoms are at its highest. There are certain brain cells that use the neurotransmitter serotonin to carry messages in the other parts of the brain that control appetite, mood, the desire to sleep and even pain.

Treatment options

The first order of business is your doctor will have you revamp your lifestyle from your diet and exercise incorporation to limiting the use of alcohol and caffeine. They will suggest vitamin and mineral supplements as calcium and B vitamin deficiencies have been known to exacerbate symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Anti-depressants and serotonin boosters may be prescribed to elevate your mood and treat other emotional problems like anxiety, paranoia and more.

Courses on stress management can be beneficial as the inability to handle stress and inability to properly relax can also aggravate PMDD. Counseling is also an option for you as well. If you have a good doctor, they will exhaust all avenues to ensure there is no underlying condition that should be treated first before focusing on the diagnosis of PMDD.

Related posts:

1. Pill Popping Measures To Reduce Pms Premenstrual syndrome occurs usually between the time of ovulation and...
2. Pms Symptoms And Who When And Why Do We Get Them PMS symptoms are what a woman experiences days or even...
3. Nasal Spray An Up And Coming Treatment For Pms One day soon, women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)...
4. When To Seek Medical Help And What Can Be Done About Pms You have noticed symptoms that you believe to be PMS....
5. Defining And Explaining Alzheimer It is sometimes confusing when an individual receives the diagnosis...

Some of the more common symptoms that may end up in a symptoms journal is:

Abdominal or pelvic cramping

Acne

Alcohol intolerance

Angry outbursts

Anxiety

Bloating

Breast swelling

Breast tenderness

Changes in sexual appetite

Confusion or fuzzy thinking

Cravings for food, especially food that is salty or sweet

Crying Spells

Depression

Difficulty with coordination

Dizziness

Edema

Fainting

Fatigue

Headaches even migraines

Hives

Insomnia

Irritability

Mood Swings

Nausea

Palpitations

Sinus problems

Sore throat

Weight Gain

Worsening of any chronic conditions that you may suffer from such as asthma, arthritis or ulcers

The woman who is seeking a diagnosis for PMS may experience 2 or more symptoms that are bringing her discomfort each month. The discomfort may be mild to moderate intensity and she may notice that her relationships or daily activities are suffering. The emotional symptoms she is suffering from may have an affect on her personal, professional or social relationships. All of her PMS symptoms will disappear when her period starts to flow or by day three of her period.

There is no lab test that can diagnose PMS. Her doctor will use a journal of symptoms that she has been keeping for at least 2 months to help make the diagnosis. The doctor will also rule out other diseases or conditions and use a process of elimination to come up with the diagnosis of PMS. If laboratory tests do not reveal any other disease or condition that the woman is suffering from that would explain her symptoms, then by process of elimination her doctor will probably diagnose her with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

If the woman suffers from mild to moderate symptoms her treatment plan will most likely include a healthy diet, exercise, vitamin supplements, diuretics, pain relievers, and also a heat pad. It has also been discovered that calcium and magnesium supplements can help to relieve bloating, cramping and irritability. Make sure that your doctor approves of the dosage of your vitamin or mineral supplements. As part of a healthy diet, the woman suffering from PMS should limit salt intake and also reduce the amounts of caffeine and refined sugars.

If the woman is suffering from severe pain, her doctor may give her prescription pain medication. Hormonal treatments such as oral contraceptives may also be prescribed to correct fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. Hormonal treatments do not normally help with PMDD, which is a severe form of PMS.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are antidepressant drugs are also sometimes part of the treatment plan for PMS and PMDD.

Related posts:

1. Seeking The Alzheimer Diagnosis And Designing A Treatment Plan Many individuals are seeking answers to why they or someone...
2. Receiving The Diagnosis Of Acid Reflux You suspect that you may have acid reflux and have...
3. Is What I Have Premenstrual Syndrome If you are a woman and menstruating, you may wonder...
4. Seeking Help For Pms Women who suspect they may have PMS should seek medical...
5. How Will My Doctor Diagnose Pms A woman can actually assist her doctor in making the...

Factors you can control

The factors you can control all are tied in to your lifestyle and the choices you make. A poor diet is a major issue, especially when you have a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B. Several studies have shown that calcium and vitamins D or B deficiency greatly contributes to some of the PMS symptoms and puts you at risk for osteoporosis too.

Caffeine can affect the chemicals and hormones secreted by the endocrine system such as estrogen and progesterone. It can also lower blood sugar which contributes to some of the symptoms like food cravings of salty foods or sweet foods. The domino effect of caffeine leads to aforementioned food cravings which further leads to water retention and bloating, a side effect of consuming salt.

Absence of exercise and appearance of stress both are risk factors of developing PMS. Exercise releases endorphins, a chemical that gives you a natural high and can reduce cramps and other symptoms. If you don’t exercise this does not happen. As far as stress is concerned, many times your body manifests it in tight muscles, headaches and body pain. Add the hormonal factor and you have a recipe for PMS disaster.

Factors you cannot control

If your family displays a history of PMS, chances are you will get it at some point as well. There is no cure or definitive treatment for it. The older you get, the more intense PMS tends to get. As you cannot hold back Father Time, you have to suffer through an increase in symptoms. Also, if you have had previous emotional or mental health problems, you are much more susceptible to PMS. Anxiety and panic disorders can exacerbate symptoms as can depression and bipolar disorder. PMS can intensify these mental health conditions.

Luckily, there are quite a few anti-depressants out on the market that not only work for a variety of mental health issues but also PMS as well. If you could get a handle on the anxiety, depression or other condition, there is less stress and PMS likely will not be magnified beyond reason. If there is a deficiency in vitamins or minerals, supplements are easy to find.

Overall, if you experience PMS symptoms, it would be beneficial for you to revamp your diet and include healthier choices that would boost your calcium and vitamins B and D. Exercise is important to burn off calories and holding back on caffeine and alcohol can make a huge impact (just wean away from caffeine slowly). Focus on the things you can control to lower PMS symptoms and hopefully the things you cannot control will improve.

Related posts:

1. Lifestyle Changes That Can Lower The Risk Of That Monthly Pms Not all medical conditions can be solved with a pill...
2. Six Smart Things To Do To Prevent Or Lower Heart Disease Risk Heart disease may run in your family but it doesn't...
3. Natural Remedies That Can Be Taken For Premenstrual Syndrome There are several physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome...
4. Well Toned Blood Vessels Decrease Risk Of Heart Disease There are weight lifting, walking and other physical activities to...
5. 6 Top Risk Factors For Heart Disease Heart disease is a killer that does not discriminate between...