PMS is a disorder characterized by hormonal fluctuations in an estimated 40 million women for up to two weeks prior to menstruation.
Symptoms include:
- Feeling "out of control"
- Anxiety and feelings of panic
- Depression
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Bloating and weight gain
- Lack of coordination, forgetfulness
- Heart palpitations
- Abdominal cramps
- Backache, painful joints
The exact cause of PMS is unknown, however, estrogen levels and neurochemical changes within the brain may be factors.
Depending on symptoms and their severity, your provider may suggest trying several types of treatment:
- Eat six small meals at regular three-hour intervals. This helps to maintain a steady blood glucose level and avoid energy highs and lows.
- Reduce the use of caffeine, alcohol, salt, fats, and simple sugars to reduce bloating, fatigue, tension, and depression.
- Take a multivitamin to alleviate irritability, fluid retention, joint aches, breast tenderness, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
- Exercising 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes is helpful for PMS because it reduces stress and tension, acts as a mood elevator, provides a sense of well-being, and improves blood circulation by increasing natural production of beta-endorphins.
Medication used to treat PMS may be: - Hormone therapy with progesterone and/or estrogen, such as birth control pills
- Luprolide acetate, a long-acting agent for endometriosis, can rapidly eliminate the worse PMS symptoms
- Anti-depressant to stabilize highs and lows
At Women's Care we acknowledge and understand how challenging and frustrating PMS can be. Our providers will work with you to get your symptoms under control. |
