Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)- Treatment

How to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) ?

No specific treatment for PMS has been validated by empirical studies. Some lifestyle changes may help a bit in reducing the severity and episodes, like;

• Avoiding caffeine from the diet

• Cessation of smoking

• Regular exercise

• Nutritive diet with complex carbohydrates

• Adequate and regular sleep

• By avoiding unnecessary stress

Stress can be controlled by practising Meditation and Yoga. And some specific medicines from group SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have proven effective in some clinical studies.

Severity of pain can be used by analgesics from group NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) available as preparation in market, named Naproxyn.

Calcium supplementation, 1200 to 1600 mg/day in divided doses has been shown to result in reduction of pre-menstrual symptoms.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble subtype of vitamin B, it helps in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body. At the dose of 100 mg/day It has been shown reduction in symptoms like breast pain, swelling in breasts and depression.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus), is a primary botanical Herb used for reducing PMS amongst Herbalists. The typical dose of 20-40 mg/day of chaste berry extract has been shown to improve PMS, which is also approved by Germany as one of the medications for PMS.

Ginko biloba, a herbal root has also been shown some benefits in improving breast tenderness and discomfort and also it improves concentration and restores sexual function.

There are some other products often used by doctors to treat symptoms of PMS, like; Evening primrose oil, DHEAS hormone, Melatonin, Kava, Tryptophan are not advised by authors due to its side effects and in-effectiveness.

Severe cases of PMS and dysmenorrhea (Painful menstruation) not benefited from supportive medicines can be given trial of Low dose oral contraceptive pills which has shown improvement is few cases drastically.

But according to my experience, Young girls specially post menarche and perimenopausal ladies are more commonly affected with PMS. So that patients apart from the treatment also needs support and assurance. Mothers of young girls and husbands of the peri-menopausal ladies should support them and give assurance to them. Individuals with PMS, may have irritability and short temper, so their spouses or family members should avoid to argue and fights with them, that helps them by preventing them to go in major depression.