Premenstrual syndrome - self-care

Keep a Diary of Symptoms

Keeping a calendar or diary of your symptoms can help you identify the symptoms that are causing you the most trouble. This can help you manage the times when they are likely to occur. Keep a diary or calendar to record:

• The type of symptoms you are having
• How severe they are
• How long they last

Treating PMS may involve some trial and error. Some things you try may work, but others may not. Keeping track of your symptoms may help you find the treatments that work best for you.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

A healthy lifestyle is the first step to managing PMS. For many women, lifestyle changes alone are enough to control their symptoms.

Changes in what you drink or eat may help. Follow these tips at least during the second half of your cycle:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Have little or no salt or sugar.
• Drink plenty of fluids like water or juice. Avoid soft drinks, alcohol, or anything with caffeine in it.
• Eat frequent, small meals or snacks instead of 3 large meals. Have something to eat at least every 3 hours, but do not overeat.

Getting regular exercise throughout the month can help reduce how severe your PMS symptoms are.

Medicines, Vitamins, Supplements

Your health care provider may recommend that you take vitamins or supplements.

• Vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium may be recommended.
• Tryptophan supplements may also be helpful. Eating foods that contain tryptophan may also help. Some of these are dairy products, soy beans, seeds, tuna, and shellfish.

Pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others), and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, and others may help symptoms of headache, backache, menstrual cramping, and breast tenderness.

• Tell your health care provider if you are taking these medicines most days.
• Your health care provider may prescribe stronger pain medicines for severe cramping.

Your health care provider may prescribe birth control pills, water pills (diuretics), or other medicines to treat symptom.

• Follow the directions for taking them.
• Ask about possible side effects and tell your provider if you have any of them.

If You Are Feeling Sad or Stressed

For some women, PMS affects their mood and sleep patterns.

• Try to get plenty of sleep throughout the month.
• Try changing your nighttime sleep habits before you take drugs to help you sleep. For example, do quiet activities or listen to soothing music before going to sleep.

To relieve anxiety and stress, try:

• Deep breathing or muscle relaxation exercises
• Yoga or other exericse
• Massage

Ask you health care provider about medicines or talk therapy if your symptoms become worse.

When to Call the Doctor

Make an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Your PMS does not go away with self-treatment
• You have new, unusual, or changing lumps in your breast tissue.
• You have discharge from your nipple.
• You are feeling very sad.

Alternate Names

PMS - self-care; Premenstrual dysphoric disorder - self-care

References

Lentz GM. Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: etiology, diagnosis, management. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 36.

Vigod SN. Understanding and treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder: an update for the women's health practitioner. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2009;36:907-924, xii.

Update Date: 6/26/2012

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.