Information About Health Conditions

« Back to Home

Your Options for Managing Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Posted on

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common complaint for women of childbearing age who have periods. Although some will experience mild symptoms that don't have a significant effect on their daily wellbeing, others find them hard to manage. If you're finding that your PMS is becoming a problem, it's time to consider ways to manage it, including clinics you can attend.

Stay Active

If you're feeling bloated and cramps are starting to kick in, hitting the treadmill is probably the last thing on your mind. But by staying active, you can offset some of the symptoms of PMS.

Exercising raises your serotonin levels, which in turn boosts your mood. It also decreases bloat and reduces pain, which can make pre-menstrual cramps easier to manage. To make exercising easier, choose a form of exercising that you find appealing and commit yourself to it.

Use Medication

In a small number of cases, PMS becomes so severe that it has a negative effect on your relationships. When that happens, you may want to visit a doctor and discuss whether taking an antidepressant is right for you.

You'll need to take your antidepressants throughout the month for them to work properly. But by doing so, you could make your PMS symptoms less severe. 

If the thought of taking an antidepressant doesn't appeal to you, attend a sexual health clinic and discuss your contraceptive options. Certain hormonal contraceptives can combat some of the worst symptoms of PMS. If they prove effective, you can continue taking them an enjoy a less disruptive period.

Eat Smart

You may experience a lot of junk food cravings when you have PMS, and there's certainly no harm in giving in occasionally. But if you're trying to exist on junk food alone, you'll make your symptoms worse rather than better.

Try limiting the number of salty foods you eat and cut back on caffeine and alcohol. All of them cause bloating, which will make your mood worse when you have PMS. Additionally, focus on complex carbohydrates, such as fruit, whole grains, and vegetables. As they release energy slowly, they're less likely to cause the energy crashes that sugary snacks lead to.

Try Relaxing

Relaxing isn't always easy, especially when you're leading a busy lifestyle. But if you don't take some time out for yourself, your stress levels will rise.

If you're struggling to relax, try attending a health clinic that promotes wellbeing. You may find that exploring options such as yoga and mediation has a tremendous effect on your PMS.


Share