It’s normal for girls and women of every age to experience emotional ups and downs. However, severe premenstrual symptoms are not normal. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common health condition that affects most of women.
Symptoms of PMS often range from mild to severe. If the condition becomes unmanageable, the symptoms can interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Since combating PMS can be challenging, treatment strategies vary.
Keep reading to review different ways on how to treat PMS symptoms!
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills work to reduce the severity of common PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability, and bloating, by altering hormones in the body, thereby stabilizing them.
In addition, birth control pills can also be used to regulate the frequency of periods and make them less painful for those who endure severe menstrual cramps. When taking birth control pills, it is important to follow the dosage guidelines and take them at the same time each day to ensure the best results.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are sometimes recommended to help manage the emotional disturbances associated with premenstrual syndrome, such as mood swings, irritability, and depression. Some serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are approved for PMS, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram.
It is important to understand that taking antidepressants for PMS does not always mean taking a daily dose; only a few days of the month may be sufficient.
Regular Exercise
It’s important to set a regular exercise routine that can become a habit. This helps to reduce symptoms. Start by picking an exercise that suits your lifestyle and energy levels.
Aim for at least 20 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity exercise at least three times a week. Strength training, low-impact aerobics, yoga, cycling, or jogging are all good exercises to include in a premenstrual syndrome exercise routine.
Exercise can also help boost endorphins and serotonin, which are feel-good hormones that can help with overall well-being and mental health. Regular exercise helps to bring balance to your body and can help with managing premenstrual syndrome.
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin supplements are often recommended to help manage the symptoms of PMS. Women should look for supplements that contain Vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin E in order to reduce cramping, irritability, headaches, and fatigue.
Vitamin B6 helps the brain to produce serotonin which can reduce mood swings. Calcium and magnesium can help reduce cramps, while Vitamin E can improve overall energy.
Changing Your Diet
Period cravings are common, but eating regular meals and snacks that are high in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits, and vegetables, can help regulate hormones. Eating lean protein, such as fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts, will help to level out blood sugar levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Adding calcium-rich foods to the diet, such as milk and yogurt, will also help reduce PMS symptoms. Making simple swaps, such as opting for whole wheat toast rather than white toast, can make a difference.
Learn How to Treat PMS Now
Premenstrual syndrome affects women in different ways and to different degrees. Learning how to treat PMS effectively is important to understand its range of symptoms, communicate with your physician, and consider lifestyle changes.
Taking into account these approaches is critical to helping manage the premenstrual syndrome.
Call your physician today to begin your journey to fighting premenstrual syndrome!
Did you find this article helpful? Check out more of our blogs!
