Experiences with
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Symptoms of PMS
Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month.
The most common symptoms of PMS include:
- mood swings
- feeling upset, anxious or irritable
- tiredness or trouble sleeping
- bloating or tummy pain
- breast tenderness
- headaches
- spotty skin
- greasy hair
- changes in appetite and sex drive
Things you can do to help
exercise regularly
eat a healthy, balanced diet – you may find that eating frequent smaller meals (every 2-3 hours) suits you better than eating 3 larger meals a day
get plenty of sleep – 7 to 8 hours is recommended
try reducing your stress by doing yoga or meditation
take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 to 3 menstrual cycles – you can take this to a GP appointment
do not smoke
do not drink too much alcohol
Treating PMS
As well as changes to your lifestyle, a GP can recommend treatments including:
- hormonal medicine – such as the combined contraceptive pill
- cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking therapy
- antidepressants
- dietary supplements
If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.
This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.
Complementary therapies and dietary supplements
Complementary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but the evidence of their effectiveness is limited.
They can include:
- acupuncture
- reflexology
- supplements such as vitamin B6, calcium and vitamin D and magnesium (check with a GP or pharmacist if you are also taking medicines before starting to take regular supplements)
Causes of PMS
It's not fully understood why women get PMS.
But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Some women may be more affected by these changes than others.
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include mood swings, tiredness, tummy pain, headaches and spotty skin.
Getting plenty of sleep and taking painkillers can help with premenstrual syndrome. Other treatments like hormone medicine may be used if it's severe.
Premenstrual syndrome is thought to be linked to changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Related links
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