10 Alternative Treatments for PMS

Every month I know a week in advance when my period will begin. During this week I experience hurt feelings, chocolate cravings, irritability, and exhaustion. If you are a woman age 20-40 you know exactly what I am talking about. It's called Premenstrual Syndrome, PMS for short. The Mayo Clinic says the most common symptoms of PMS are mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression. I can check off on most of those! No matter how prepared I think I am, each month PMS discomfort continues to rain on my parade. My doctor suggested anti-depressants, Ibuprofen, or oral contraceptives to remedy PMS. Surely, I thought, there must be alternative treatments for PMS. I did some digging and there are! Here are 10 alternative remedies I came across.

Calcium. Dr. Susan Tys-Jacobs, of the Columbia University School of Medicine, says increasing daily calcium intake to above one thousand milligrams may reduce PMS symptoms including pain, irritability and food cravings. Calcium is naturally found in dairy products like milk or yogurt. Adding calcium to the diet is an easy alternative to medicine.

Chaste Tree Berry. The British Medical Journal published a study of 178 women showing that Chaste Tree Berry improved PMS discomforts such as irritability, depression, headaches, and breast tenderness. The study was done over the time of three menstrual cycles. Adding Chaste Tree Berry to the diet is an easy alternative to medicine.

Magnesium. The Mayo Clinic states that "taking 400 mg of supplemental magnesium daily may help to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating in women with premenstrual syndrome." Magnesium is found naturally in foods like coffee, spinach, wheat bran cereal, and fresh basil. Adding magnesium to the diet is an easy alternative to medicine.

Gingko. Gingko biloba is believed to aid all PMS discomfort. Initial studies by the Mayo Clinic showed vast improvements compared to a placebo. The jury is still out officially. Gingko is easily available over-the-counter wherever herbal supplements are available. It is easier to access than routine medications for PMS so it is worth a shot!

Vitamin B-6. According to WebMD, Vitamin B-6 aids the body's endocrine system, including its use of Magnesium. For our bodies it means relief from the PMS depression and several physical symptoms. Vitamin B-6 is naturally found in food high in protein like meat and cheese plus garlic, tuna, cauliflower, and mustard greens. Adding foods rich in Vitamin B-6 to your diet is an easy alternative to medicine.

Vitamin E. According to WebMD, Vitamin E may improve breast tenderness, mood symptoms, weight gain, anxiety, headaches, sweet cravings, depression, insomnia, and low energy. Vitamin E is naturally found in whole grain foods, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, nuts and seeds. Adding foods rich in Vitamin E to your diet is an easy alternative to medicine.

St. John's Wort. University of Maryland Medical Center states that St. John's Wort may relieve PMS symptoms including cramps, irritability, food cravings, and breast tenderness. St. John's Wort is easily accessed over-the-counter wherever herbal supplements are available. It is easier to access than routine medications for PMS and has a plethora of other benefits so it is worth a shot!

Diet. Having IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), I know that smaller, more frequent meals decrease bloating. Salt makes you retain fluids, so eat less. I also take a multi-vitamin that has generally improved my PMS symptoms. Caffeine and alcohol affect your mood so stay away from those. Making small changes in my diet is a lot easier than committing myself to the medications suggested by my doctor.

Exercise. Frequent exercise diminishes PMS symptoms by increasing your overall health. Getting the heart pumping is great for relieving fatigue and exercise releases chemicals in the brain that improve your mood. Incorporating a daily walk you're your routine is an easy alternative to medicine.

Relaxation. Aromatherapy massage, breathing treatments, and yoga are natural ways to relieve stress. Relieving stress relieves PMS symptoms, as stress only exacerbates them. Being able to relax also makes it more likely that you will get quality sleep (which the body could always use). Finding ways to relax yourself could be an easy prevention to needing medicine for PMS.