PMS support comes in many forms. It can mean medical treatments a doctor prescribes to alleviate symptoms, herbal or naturopathic remedies, or following a variety of self-help suggestions. Bearing difficult premenstrual syndrome might also be easier with emotional support. This could come from a therapist, a support group, helpful books, friendships, or loosely constructed settings where women talk about their difficulties on this issue. What constitutes "best" help for one woman isn’t always the same for others, and a woman often has to experiment and find her own way to the most effective assistance strategies.
For some women, the best PMS support means finding an end to symptoms, and this could involve many different traditional medical strategies. Sometimes premenstrual syndrome is alleviated with birth control pills, which can regulate hormonal levels and reduce some aspects of PMS. Other strategies like using specific painkillers during PMS could be used to combat things like severe headaches or painful cramping. Extreme mood changes due to premenstrual dysmorphic disorder are now often treated with antidepressants or certain birth control pills that have antidepressant activity.
There are a number of women interested in less traditional medical approaches. A variety of herbal treatments might provide PMS support. These are generally not as proven or subject to the same type of clinical testing as Western medical solutions, but some have been shown effective in small trials. Evening primrose appears to reduce breast pain, and chaste tree berry has been shown to be of use in regulating periods. Another recommended treatment is acupuncture, and women also benefit from a few behavioral changes. Weight loss, when needed, may provide PMS support, as can regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction through contemplative exercises like yoga or tai chi chuan.
An additional approach to PMS support is to seek counseling or peer support. Therapy can be particularly useful when women suffer from true premenstrual dysmorphic disorder; with medications, therapy may help to better control mood. There’s also connection between mental wellness and physical wellness. Dealing with any of life’s stressors or ongoing emotional problems in therapy may have a positive effect on physical health.
Some women merely want to know they’re not alone in their challenges with PMS. There may be local support groups and there are certainly some on the Internet that could help resolve the sense of isolation that is felt when this syndrome is very difficult. Alternately, a woman could simply turn to friends for helpful conversation or even create a PMS buddy that she shares support with during this phase of the cycle. Another overlooked avenue is learning about PMS through a variety of useful books. These may be full of tips and information that can provide support.
