WHAT TO DO WITH PMS

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><xml> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE </xml><xml> </xml> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> Pre-menstrual syndrome is a cluster of symptoms occurring every month on menstruating women i.e. ages 12 to 50 and they include:

• acne/pimple
• abdominal cramps
• back ache
• headache
• mood swings
• cry spell
• food craving /food binge
• breast fullness /swelling
• irritability/ anxiety
• depression
• lack of sleep

WHAT CAUSES PMS

The real cause is not known but it’s associated with hormonal changes and some other factors e.g.

1. Salty and sugary foods
2. Sedentary life style 
3. Some behavior like alcohol and smoking

TREATMENT/MANAGEMENT

• In most cases 70% do not need medical care but 8-10% may need medical care but some home remedies may be tried.
• Chocolate eating [this helps to lower some level of hormones esp. testosterone]
• Avoid salty food as this causes retention of water
• Avoid alcohol and smoking as this alters the mood and may lead to depression
• Avoid sugary and caffeine drinks 
• Try to get enough sleep 
• Try some vigorous exercise 15 minutes daily like brisk walk
• Yoga and aquatic exercise will help
• Take a lot of fruits and whole grains
• Psychotherapy i.e. counseling
  

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

The 10% which needs medical care like depression, insomnia and suicidal tendencies and very severe pain.

• Ibuprofen for pain 400mg thrice a day not more than three days 
• Severe depression sertraline [zoloft] 200mg thrice or as advised, this is to increase the level of serotonin uptake by the brain cells.
• Some form of hormonal drugs may be given to stop ovulation e.g. microgynon.
• Folic acid supplementation 400 micrograms 
• Vitamins supplementation vitamins B6, E,D.

Note PMS will not stop unless one is pregnant or past menopause.