How Can I Treat Specific Symptoms?

Many women address their PMS by treating the symptoms that arise. Specific symptoms that are often addressed this way include:

• Headaches

• Cramps

• Mood Changes

• Appetite

• Bloating, Breast Tenderness and Weight Gain

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of PMS. Increased tension premenstrually may cause tension headaches. There is also a higher incidence of migraine headaches premenstrually. Specific treatments are available for each of these types of headaches. They include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and aspirin for milder headaches. More serious headaches may require stronger pain medicine or medicines used to decrease the frequency of headache attacks. These require a prescription.

Cramps

Menstrual cramps are disabling to some women. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) is a different condition than PMS but may occur at the same time. The most effective treatment is to begin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, before getting your period. Birth control pills are also likely to help with cramps.

Mood Changes

Mood changes, including irritability, depression, and fatigue, may best be relieved by the simple treatment of increasing your physical activity. Scientific studies have shown moderate physical activity to be as effective as medications in improving mental outlook. If physical activity alone does not help enough, talk to your doctor about other treatments.

Appetite

Appetite tends to decrease with vigorous exercise. Finding small ways to indulge without going overboard, and developing non-food ways of comforting yourself, for example taking a warm bath or nap may help. Treatment with SSRIs may also help.

Bloating, Breast Tenderness, And Weight Gain

Being physically active may help to minimize discomfort related to fluid gain.

If your symptoms are very uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about taking a diuretic (medicine that gets rid of extra water in the body). Spironolactone is the prescription diuretic most commonly used for PMS-related bloating.