Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

The best way to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) depends on the nature, timing and severity of your symptoms, so it is important to talk to your doctor so treatment can be tailored accordingly. In addition to counselling and lifestyle changes, there are a number of medications and supplements that may help. Medication options include taking the oral contraceptive pill or other hormonal treatments, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medicine), antidepressants, anti-inflammatories and diuretics. Some women with severe mood swings may benefit enormously from taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication.

For women for whom significant fluid retention is a problem, your doctor may recommend the judicious use of a low-dose diuretic to assist with this. In terms of supplements, options include evening primrose oil, fish oil or krill oil, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium or herbal extracts such as chaste berry or St John's Wort. Again, your doctor is the best person to guide you through the pros and cons of each treatment.

Dietary changes such as reducing sugar, increasing complex carbohydrate intake, minimising salt, sodium, alcohol and caffeine can be very beneficial. Quitting smoking, exercising and improving your sleep habits can all help enormously too. Relaxation therapy, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop skills to cope with severe symptoms and stressful situations, especially when these coincide.