Certain over-the-counter treatments -- Advil to Aleve, Motrin to Midol -- may help to relieve some of your PMS symptoms, reducing the inflammation and swelling. Always follow the directions for use on the pill box, and avoid taking them for extended periods of time or on an empty stomach. In addition, natural remedies -- like warm compresses or heating pads/blankets -- help, especially with abdominal cramping. You can also try massages, meditation and stretching (like Yoga).
PMS isn't a new syndrome; rather, it's been the number one nag and creator of stress for women since, well, forever.
While some of us are lucky enough to escape it entirely, the majority of women experience one (if not many more) symptom(s) every single month -- like clockwork -- in the days leading up to their periods. From mild fluid retention to four pounds of "bloat," one annoying zit to a full-face breakout, slight mood swing to massive depression, the health symptoms are vast in terms of degree and force.
"Every woman is different, so the symptoms and signs of PMS vary too," explains Jeff Livingston, M.D, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Irving, Texas. Which, of course, is why there is no "one size fits all" prescription for ditching it.
"Premenstrual syndrome is thought to be the result of alterations in or interactions between the levels of sex hormones and brain chemicals during the menstrual cycle," says Dr. Livingston. "Birth control pills may help relieve PMS symptoms by stabilizing those hormone levels. Some women may find even better relief from a form of birth control pill that is continuous," he says. And, "eating a healthy diet" and partaking in "physical activity and exercise" also help "in improving general health and well-being" and "help reduce anxiety and nervous tension," which together can lessen the issues often associated with PMS, he says.
