Treatment
The treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves making lifestyle changes which would include exercise, and diet alterations. Reduced salt intake before the start of the menstrual period is good to alleviate symptoms of PMS.
Nutritional supplements like calcium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E are also prescribed to bring relief for PMS symptoms.
Medications like oral contraceptive pills, antidepressants, ovarian suppressors, pain killers and diuretics are also employed depending upon the degree of PMS symptoms and if they keep recurring with every cycle and cause problems with quality of life issues. Muscle pain and cramps - during PMS are usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Mood associated symptoms - are treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, are some of the drugs employed to treat mood related problems. These medications help in relieving anxiety, depression, anger or aggression by helping the brain make better use of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
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Water Retention - Diuretic could also be prescribed to treat water retention and weight gain during the premenstrual weeks.
The relatively new birth control pill known by the brand name YAZ or Yasmin, approved by the FDA is useful in alleviating certain symptoms of PMS.
