Do you feel irritated, anxious or emotional just before your period? Don’t worry, as PMS medication can help prevent or suppress the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Read on…
Premenstrual syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS is associated with several physical as well as emotional changes that take place in a woman’s body after ovulation. About 75-80% of women all over the world suffer from health problems that arise because of PMS.
Medication to Get Rid of PMS Symptoms
The severity, onset and duration of the symptoms, can vary from women to woman, depending upon the age, overall health and lifestyle of the woman. Over-the-counter PMS medication can help lower mild symptoms of the syndrome. For severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics which lead to increased urine production, help reduce fluid retention, abdominal bloating, constant feeling of fullness, etc. Diurex PMS, Lurline PMS, Midol PMS, Pamprin Multi-symptom, and Premesyn PMS are some examples of over-the-counter diuretics that help reduce the irritating symptoms of the syndrome. These drugs contain mild diuretics like ammonium chloride, caffeine, and pamabrom.
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs help lower abdominal pain due to menstrual cramps. They are used to treat headache and pelvic discomfort also. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox), ketoprofen (Orudis), and mefenamic acid (Ponstel) are some commonly used NSAIDs.
Birth Control Pills
New birth control pills are so developed that they help lower the effects of change in hormonal levels.
Depression Medications
These medications suppress the feeling of sadness and nervousness. You need to follow the instructions of your doctor regarding the dosage of the medicine. You can also try herbal remedies for depression; as they exhibit less side effects. The fruit of the chasteberry tree works great for PMS.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogs
This is a relatively new medication. Over the counter availability of this medication may not be possible in some countries. It completely suppresses the ovarian function. It helps suppress the irritating symptoms. Danazol (Danocrine) is another ovarian suppressor that is prescribed by doctors for suppression of the function of ovarian hormone. All such medications should not be taken for more than six months, they may lead to serious side effects.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
If you find that symptoms of PMS are disrupting your work and relationship or if you think that the symptoms are so severe that they are creating an emotional havoc, then you might be suffering from PMS’s debilitating cousin PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder. If the symptoms do not subside within 3-4 days and if they lead to serious discomfort or uneasiness, then SSRIs are used to lower the symptoms. Fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) are used to treat depression and mood swings. Other examples of PMDD or PMS medication are sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa). You should consult a doctor for dosage and duration of the medications.
PMS Causes
Hormonal changes are held responsible for premenstrual syndrome experienced by almost all women in the world. Various types of health problems are experienced about 4-5 days before the period which usually disappear with menstruation. Chemical changes in the brain affect the mood of the woman. Stress and certain factors like ‘following a diet lacking in essential nutrients’, ‘hectic lifestyle’ can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms of PMS. The symptoms can be mild or severe.
PMS Symptoms
- Menstrual headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression
- Abdominal bloating
- Acne outbreaks
- Upset stomach
- Muscle pain and abdominal cramps
- Leg cramps
- Change in appetite
- Increased fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Crying spells
- Decreased sexual desire
- Weight gain due to fluid retention
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hot flashes
- Palpitation
- Increased tension or anxiety
- Loss of interest in daily activities or relationships, social withdrawal
- Aggravation of chronic conditions like sinusitis, asthma, arthritis and ulcers
Constant use of PMS medication can prove to be harmful for your body. You can lower the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome by providing rest to the body. Sufficient sleep and meditation help lower the symptoms. Practicing meditation, yoga or different types of exercises regularly, following a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein but low in salt, taking some vitamin supplements as prescribed by your doctor and leading a stress free lifestyle can help lower PMS symptoms significantly.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
