Manage your PMS Symptoms

Pre-menstrual syndrome, also called PMS is a medical condition that affects numerous women a week or so prior to the beginning of their period.

PMS has a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of PMS are:

• anxiety
• depression
• loss of concentration
• insomnia
• fluid retention
• constipation
• joint pain
• mood swings
• tender breasts
• swollen hands
• swollen feet
• weight gain
• headaches
• pelvic discomfort
• fatigue

What Causes PMS?

The exact cause of PMS is not known. However, its symptoms can often be alleviated by proper diet, nutritional supplements, and regular exercise.

Manage Your PMS

The right diet can help lower or eliminate your PMS symptoms.

Vitamins

Take a multivitamin plus 500 milligrams of calcium for the 1st two weeks of your cycle. On day 14, start taking a PMS supplement instead of the multivitamin. The PMS supplement contains extra B vitamins and magnesium. Vitamin B and magnesium will help decrease irritability, reduce water retention and increase energy.

Eat enough protein

Protein helps blood-sugar control. It also provides your body with a continual supply of energy.

Eat more small meals

Small meals can help eliminate fluctuations in blood-sugar levels. This is important because fluctuations in blood-sugar levels can cause mood swings, fatigue, headaches and cravings.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

Alcohol consumption increases the severity of PMS symptoms. Caffeine can increase irritability and anxiety. So try to stay away from these, especially during the first 2 weeks of your period.

Decrease your salt intake

Your body starts to retain water right before your period starts. Salt can cause you to retain more water and feel more bloated.

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