Women who suspect they may have PMS should seek medical advice and diagnosis. Knowing for sure what you are dealing with can help you by giving a clear picture of what you are dealing with so that better methods of bring you relief can be used.

It is not easy to diagnose PMS, but you can help your doctor by keeping a symptom journal. Keeping this journal for two months gives your doctor a good picture of the symptoms that occur, the duration of the symptoms, the intensity of what you experience and how it affects your life. This information is very helpful when diagnosing PMS.

The tests that your doctor will order are not to directly diagnose PMS but to rule out other diseases and conditions, which may have some of the same symptoms that PMS has. When all other diseases and conditions have been ruled out then your doctor can make the diagnosis of PMS or the severe form of PMS, PMDD.

Once the diagnosis of PMS is made there are lots of avenues that you can explore to receive help for your PMS symptoms. You can experience relieve from your symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and diuretics to reduce the occurrence of water retention which leads to bloating, abdominal discomfort and weight gain. You can use a heating pad or a soak in a warm tub.

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants if you suffer from fatigue, food cravings, depression or sleep problems. Women use antidepressants during the two weeks prior to the start of the monthly period. Common antidepressants include Prozac, Sarafem, Paxil, and Zoloft. Your doctor may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin or naproxen sodium also known as Aleve for the symptoms of cramps or breast discomfort. Diuretics are used along with exercise and limiting your salt intake to reduce the symptoms of weight gain, swelling and bloating. A common diuretic is spironolactone. Your doctor may discuss with you the use of oral contraceptives in the relief of PMS symptoms. Birth control pills contain progestin drospirenone, which acts like the diuretic spironolactone and can be effective in reducing both the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS and also the severe form of PMS known as PMDD. If you do have severe PMS symptoms your doctor may suggest the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate also known as Depo-Provera. This medication temporarily stops ovulation, which triggers the start of PMS symptoms. It is an injection and may cause side effects such as increased appetite, and the resultant weight gain or it may cause headaches or a depressed mood; so this drug should be used with caution.

Women should not have to suffer the discomforts of their period when there are so many ways to bring relief. Talk with your doctor about the above ways and ask for support groups too.

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