Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms and PMS Relief Options

Premenstrual Syndrome or "PMS" is characterized by behavioral and physical symptoms that commonly occur cyclically during the last portion of the menstrual cycle. PMS commonly occurs in early adolescence but can continue or start as late as in the perimenopausal years.

PMDD or "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder" is a more severe form of PMS and includes not only all the symptoms of PMS, but also some additional and more debilitating problems.

PMS includes a vast array of signs and symptoms including:

Edema, bloating or swelling
Weight gain
Abdominal discomfort, pain or cramping
Hot flashes
Breast discomfort, pain or swelling
Migraines, headache pain
Constipation, bowel problems
Exacerbation of other medical problems such as arthritis, ulcers, lupus, etc
Sore throat
Urinary problems
Back pain
Nausea, vomiting or other stomach problems
Emotional changes
Depression issues
Food cravings
Fatigue, weakness
Anxiety
Sleep disorders

Tips to provide some valuable relief for premenstrual syndrome or PMS:

Do some kind of aerobic exercise, walking several times a week can significantly lessen premenstrual syndrome symptoms

Reduce caffeine intake, including chocolate, colas, tea and coffee

Avoid simple sugars such as with cakes, cookies, pies and candy

Avoid alcohol consumption

Drink 2 quarts of noncaffeinated fluid such as water each day

Reduce your salt intake such as chips, fast foods, pretzels, nuts

Eat five or six small meals versus larger meals, smaller meals stabilize blood sugar levels and thereby reduce PMS symptoms

Maintain a regular sleep regimen

Drink a glass of milk before bedtime each night

Give yourself some quiet personal time before bed such as a relaxing warm bath or reading for an hour

Develop some relaxation techniques such as massage, yoga or meditation

Keep a diary of your daily activities and any PMS symptoms and try to minimize any stressors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Although there is no real cure for PMS, most symptoms can be controlled with proper medical treatment. For example medical treatment for severe PMS associated with endometriosis is aimed at suppressing ovulation and inducing an artificial menopause. Along with pain relief and suppression of any abnormal tissue formation or other medical issues brought about on by other female disorders.

Many PMS symptoms can be associated with everything from fibroids to endometriosis. Endometriosis is a painful reproductive and immunologic disorder.
Fibroids are commonly called benign estrogen responsive tumors which usually regress with menopause.

However in extreme cases uterine fibroid or endometriosis surgery may be needed to reduce pain and discomfort, along with other symptoms.

References for this article include:

www.pms-relief.org/control.php
familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/menstrual/141.html
www.womenshealthmag.com/health/relieve-your-pms
www.ucnet.com/pms/understanding_pms.htm