Studies show that nearly half of all menstruating women deliberately pick a fight and feel out-of-control when they’re anticipating their periods. Many women encounter additional PMS symptoms of bloating, depression, back aches, bad skin, depression and cramping. PMS can’t truly be helped by exercise, as doctors have previously suggested, but there are many drugs and at-home treatments that can provide some PMS relief.
The physical symptoms of PMS can be a real drag. Some women put on up to five pounds just before their period, most of which is just water weight. Strangely enough, the best remedy for PMS symptoms like bloating and water retention is to drink more water to help your body flush out the toxins. The ideal amount of water to drink is eight glasses a day. While it may seem like you’re peeing a lot, you’ll feel better knowing your belly isn’t inflating as much as it used to. Doctors also recommend eating more high fiber foods like brown rice, pasta and whole grain bread. Herbal teas can sometimes help reduce water retention as well.
Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome have an increased risk of falling into deep, long-term depression or contemplating suicide. Some American studies have shown that up to one-third of severe PMS sufferers attempted suicide as a result of their symptoms. Similarly, a 1993 New York State Psychiatric Institute study called “The Menstrual Cycle and Mood Disorders” reports that “there is evidence from autopsies that completed suicide is more likely to occur during the late luteal phase of the cycle.”
Indeed, mood fluctuations can be the most debilitating part of PMS. If you cry often on PMS and find yourself getting uncontrollably angry over trivial matters, then you should ask your doctor what can be prescribed for this. Antidepressants, St. John’s Wort and vitamin D have all been known to help.
The prognosis for women who suffer from PMS symptoms is pretty good if treated by making conscientious lifestyle modifications or taking a hormone-balancing medication. Many women who originally went to their doctors for PMS relief found that they actually had a more pervasive form of depression. In that case, it is especially important to seek treatment. In other cases, women have found they have eating disorders, hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances that jeopardize their health. The good news is that by the time you reach your menopausal years, your symptoms will be gone.
Kim writes for the Blog for Women. Check out her latest posts: Lasabrasion Laser Skin Resurfacing and Mall Teeth Whitening Safety Considerations.