What is premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder. Up to 40% of women of child-bearing age may experience it.  PMS involves emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that occur one to two weeks before the start of a menstrual cycle.  Generally, the symptoms increase during the week before the period and improve once the period has started.  Symptoms and their severity can vary a great deal from one woman to the next. The most common symptoms include: fatigue, irritability, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, and depression. Some women also experience anxiety, anger, crying spells, swelling in the arms and legs, food cravings, cramping in the lower abdomen, and low back pain.  The cause of PMS is unknown. It is likely caused by several things in combination.  

What is the standard medical treatment for PMS?

Standard medical treatments include the following: antidepressants (especially a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs), anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, birth control pills, and other hormonal therapies.

What are some non-drug ways to help with PMS symptoms?

There are a number of non-drug approaches that can help to ease symptoms.  These include: exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition, acupuncture, and supplements/herbs.

• Exercise.  Getting regular exercise is important in managing PMS symptoms.  A small, randomized control trial (the gold standard in research) showed that regular aerobic exercise for six months decreased PMS symptoms.  (Aerobic activities are those that increase the need for oxygen and improve the way the heart and lungs work).  Aerobic exercise works better for PMS than strength training.  A woman who has not been exercising can begin with brisk walking.  A good goal is to work up to at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of aerobic exercise per week.