How to Deal With PMS

PMS, also known as premenstrual syndrome, is a very common disorder experienced by women immediately preceding their period. PMS is as widely varied as any syndrome, with symptoms ranging from minor cramping to debilitating migraines and severe nausea. While most cases of PMS are treatable at home, some cases require a trip to the doctor for assistance.

Instructions

• 1

  Take an ibuprofen or naproxen sodium-based pain reliever. These reduce swelling, which helps with the cramping of the uterus from swelling. They also reduce pain caused by swelling in breasts which is common with premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.

• 2

  Use a heating pad. Heating pads relax muscles and relieve pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. There are also stick on heating patches that last for up to eight hours that help deal with premenstrual pain.

• 3

  Use diuretics preceding the period and during. Diuretics reduce bloating, which is extremely uncomfortable, and very common during PMS.

• 4

  Break meals into six small meals a day. Stomach upset is relieved by cutting meals in half and increasing the number of meals eaten. This breaks up digestion. Increasing fiber intake can also help an upset stomach which is common with premenstrual syndrome.

• 5

  Take a multivitamin. This ensures that PMS is not due to vitamin deficiency, and ensures that cravings and food choices will not drain the body of nutrients.

• 6

  Talk to a doctor about premenstrual problems. If PMS symptoms are unbearable to deal with alone, a physician can pinpoint causes, and if necessary prescribe medication. Anything from antidepressants to migraine relief, and even pain relievers to deal with severe pain. A gynecologist can rule out any serious problems, such as endometriosis or cysts.