Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is being experienced by most women. The most common signs and symptoms are: sore and tender breasts, headache, abdominal bloating (the most common physical symptom), and swelling of the extremities. Sometimes, it is accompanied by fatigue (the most common mental symptom), angry outbursts or mood swings, irritability, confusion and social withdrawal.
Treatment: There’s no known cure to PMS but it is managed by anti-inflammatory drugs for cramps and other pain, anti-anxiety drugs to stabilize mood and progestin drospirenone for those who are needing contraception.
Dos and Don’ts for PMS:
• Don’t eat foods high in salt.
• Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine is found
in coffee, chocolate, tea, and soda pop.
• Eat a balanced diet of 5 or 6 small meals a day.
• Avoid foods with a lot of sugar.
• If you have cravings, eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads, brown rice, soybeans, and lentils.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, hard liquor).
