Menstrual Cramps and PMS Medication Guide (cont.)
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of
emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances
that occur after a woman's ovulation and normally end with
the onset of her menstrual flow.
PMS remains a puzzle because of the wide-ranging symptoms and the difficulty in making a firm diagnosis. Several theories have been advanced to explain the cause of PMS. None of these theories has been proven and specific treatments for PMS still largely lack a solid scientific basis. Most evidence suggest that PMS results from alterations in or interactions among the levels of sex hormones and brain chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters.
What treatments are available for PMS
The treatment of PMS can sometimes be as challenging as
diagnosing the condition. Some measures lack a solid
scientific basis but seem to help some women. Other
treatments with a sound scientific basis may not help all
patients. General measures include:
- Exercise: Aerobic exercise for 30 minutes 3-5 times a
week improves general health and helps relieve nervous
tension and anxiety. Exercise also improves cardiovascular
fitness and muscle tone, decreases weight and fluid
retention, and improves self-esteem.
- Emotional support from family and friends.
- Stress reduction and stress management:
Learn relaxation techniques, and develop
coping mechanisms to handle stress.
- Dietary changes: Reduce salt and refined sugar intake (too much salt and
refined sugar aggravates fluid retention).
- Avoid caffeine, which increases irritability
- Decrease intake of animal fats.
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol.
- Some doctors advocate increasing the intake of complex
carbohydrates (pasta and rice), magnesium, zinc, and
vitamins A, E, and B6 to alleviate symptoms related to PMS.
- Furthermore, some studies suggest that vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium
supplements may have some benefit. Large doses of vitamin B6 are discouraged, since they can cause neurologic symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the arms and legs and even permanent nerve damage.
Next: What medications are used
to treat PMS? »
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- IUD (Intrauterine Device) - Learn about the IUD (intrauterine device), a birth control method to prevent pregnancy. Side effects of an IUD include cramps, infection, spotting, heavy periods, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
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