Apr
28
Proven PMS Remedies
Filed Under Women's Health News
While many jokes have been made about Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), it can be very debilitating. Changes in mood, especially irritability, is perhaps the most undesired of the variety of symptoms that an affected woman complains about and likewise people in her immediate circle. A few years ago this component even received its own psychiatric diagnosis, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
Usually at a woman’s first visit regarding PMS we recommend nonprescription remedies, then follow-up in about 3 months to monitor response.
- Exercise: Regular cardiovascular exercise has multiple studies demonstrating benefit
- Calcium: 1000-1200 mg per everyday for a minimum of 3 months duration before improvement
- Magnesium: 250-400 mg per day improves mood and decreases constipation during PMS
- Vitamin B6: 50-100 mg per day during PMS (don’t exceed as risk of peripheral nerve problems)
- Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): Improves breast tenderness, constipation, and mood. Dose varies depending on product. Take during PMS.
Low dose birth control pills can also be helpful and soon this will be specifically marketed as a lower dose version of Yasmin®. Should these interventions fail, we would strongly encourage the use of prescription anti-depressants. They raise serotonin levels in the brain that are cyclically decreased. Prozac® even comes as a convenient weekly formulation. This can be life changing, easing intolerable tensions, and allowing productive participation in daily activities.
It takes great patience to help patients realize that they no longer have to struggle under the cloud of PMS. It takes an open minded woman to embrace such interventions. In the end you and those you care about most will benefit.
To learn more about women’s health, visit our Women’s Health Library.
Wishing you good health!
Women’s Health Specialists
2299 Mowry Ave. Suite #3C
Fremont, CA 94538
510.796.7057
