Symptoms of PMS

Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month.

The most common symptoms of PMS include:

• mood swings
• feeling upset, anxious or irritable
• tiredness or trouble sleeping
• bloating or tummy pain
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• spotty skin
• greasy hair
• changes in appetite and sex drive

Things you can do to help

Do:

• exercise regularly
• eat a healthy, balanced diet - you may find that eating frequent smaller meals (every 2-3 hours) suits you better than eating 3 larger meals a day.
• get plenty of sleep - 7 to 8 hours is recommended
• try reducing your stress by doing yoga or meditation
• take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
• keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 to 3 menstrual cycles - you can take this to a GP appointment

Don't:

• do not smoke
• do not drink too much alcohol

See a GP if:

• things you can do to help are not working
• your symptoms are affecting your daily life

A GP can advise you on treatments that can help.

Treating PMS

As well as changes to your lifestyle, a GP can recommend treatments including:

• hormonal medicine – such as the combined contraceptive pill
• cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking therapy
• antidepressants
• dietary supplements

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.

This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.

Complimentary therapies and dietary supplements

Complimentary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but the evidence of their effectiveness is limited.

They can include:

• acupuncture
• reflexology
• supplements such as vitamin B6, calcium and vitamin D and magnesium (check with a GP or pharmacist if you are also taking medicines before starting to take regular supplements)