An estimated 70% to 90% of women who get their period experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in one way or another. Of course, the symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some women experience only mild discomfort, while others may have symptoms so severe that they can’t function normally. Whatever your experience, you don’t have to let PMS control your life.

What are some common symptoms of PMS?

The following symptoms usually start 7 to 14 days before your period and stop soon after it begins:
● Tender or swollen breasts.
● Depression or mood changes.
● Feeling tired, irritable or anxious.
● Changes in appetite.
● Headache.
● Joint pain.
● Bloated abdomen.
● Insomnia.
● Fluid retention (weight gain, swollen hands and feet).
● Feeling less interested in having sex.

Most women have fairly predictable symptoms, although they can change from month to month.

What about menstrual cramps?

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps. Cramps are not a symptom of PMS, but may be experienced 1 to 3 days before your period starts. Ask your doctor to recommend medicine to help relieve your cramps. Make sure to talk to your doctor if your cramps are severe or are new for you. Cramps can sometimes be caused by other health problems.

How does my doctor know I have PMS?

Your doctor may ask you to record your symptoms on a calendar for a few months. If they follow the same pattern every month, you probably have PMS. Your doctor may also want to examine you or do tests to make sure your symptoms aren’t caused by something else.

How is PMS treated?

There is no cure for PMS, but making simple lifestyle changes may help relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe or recommend medicine for you.

What about alternative or complementary therapies?

You may have heard that vitamins or herbal remedies can relieve PMS symptoms. However, these products may have side effects or interact with other medicines you take. Talk to your doctor before taking a vitamin or supplement.

What else should I know?

About 2% to 10% of women who have PMS have a severe form called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Symptoms of PMDD are the same as symptoms of PMS, but they are more severe. They may affect a woman’s work and personal life. If you have PMDD, your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment for your symptoms.

Your Doctor Recommends

Your doctor may recommend or prescribe one or more of the following medicines to help relieve your PMS symptoms:
■ Antidepressants for mood changes, irritability and depression.
■ Birth control pills for hormonal changes.
■ Diuretics for bloating, weight gain and breast tenderness.

Healthy habits

Making these lifestyle choices may help relieve PMS symptoms:
● Eat complex carbohydrates (whole grains), fiber and protein.
● Limit salty foods a few days before your period.
● Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
● Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
● Cut out sugar and fat.
● Exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes a day, most days of the week.
● Get plenty of sleep.
● Reduce stress through relaxation or deep-breathing exercises.