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Symptoms of PMS
Many menstruating people experience painful and inconvenient symptoms before the start of their period. Understanding why it happens, what it is, and finding ways to relieve symptoms can positively impact your mental and physical health. Physical symptoms can include:- Cramps
- Swollen/tender breasts
- Bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Increased hormonal acne
- Mood swings
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Increased irritability
- Depression, sadness, and crying
- Anxiety
What can be done to relieve PMS symptoms?
Many people find that mild symptoms go away once their period starts and they are back to normal. However, there are things you can do at home to relieve some of your PMS symptoms.- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Take a hot bath or use a heating pad to reduce cramps and bloating
- Aerobic exercise can reduce depression and fatigue and help lessen the symptoms of PMS
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid salt, caffeine, and alcohol
- Try meditation, massage therapy, yoga, and breathing exercises to promote relaxation and sleep
- Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase and worsen PMS symptoms.
When to see your clinician for PMS
For most people, PMS symptoms are easily managed and don’t impact their daily lives. If you find that your PMS becomes unmanageable with lifestyle changes and it starts to affect your health, it may be time to talk with your Atrius Health provider. If your symptoms are severe, they may suggest hormonal birth control methods or an antidepressant to help with your mood. Severe cramps that aren’t relieved by over-the-counter pain medication and last longer than your period can be a sign of endometriosis, a condition where the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterus, or pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection in your reproductive organs. These conditions can require treatment beyond what is recommended for PMS, so you should be sure to discuss all your symptoms with your provider to determine if it is a cause for concern.