Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms and Treatments

Premenstrual Syndrome  This disorder refers to a variety of symptoms that some females experience before their menstrual periods.  Symptoms include nervous tension, anxiety, irritability, eating, weight gain, mood swings, depression and fatigue.  Not all women experience PMS

Most Common Symptoms: 1. EMOTIONS Anxiety Mood Swings Irritability Nervous Tension Sadness Anger

2. Physical-Nervous System  Headache  Cravings – sweet and salty  Increased Appetite  Fatigue  Dizziness or Fainting  Heart Pounding  Agitation

3. Physical  Weight Gain  Swelling of Extremities  Breast Swelling & Tenderness  Abdominal Bloating  Joint and Muscle Pain

4. Behavioral  Depression  Forgetfulness  Crying  Confusion  Insomnia

Treatment  Cut down on the amount of salt and refined sugar you use.  Don’t use caffeine— Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola and some energy drinks.

What to do.  Get regular exercise  Take Calcium Carbonate daily. This will help make your bones strong.

What to do--  Increase Carbohydrates Bread, cereal, vegetables  Increase Vitamin B6  Reduce Stress

What you can do--  Prostaglandin Inhibitors – like Ibuprofen can help

If Your Symptoms Are Severe  See your health care provider