PMS symptoms can vary greatly from woman to woman, so there is no "one size fits all" treatment. The symptoms of PMS are connected to hormonal imbalance, so treatments may address this root cause, or they may focus on managing the individual symptoms.
Three Approaches to Treat PMS
Three levels of approaches can be considered for treating PMS symptoms. These are categorized as: (1) Lifestyle Changes, (2) Alternative Medicine, and (3) Pharmaceutical Options.
In accordance with the severity of their symptoms, most women first try the least-risky treatment type for PMS symptoms: lifestyle adjustments. Then, if these changes are ineffective, a different approach may be attempted. Pharmaceutical options are generally seen as a last resort for only the most persistent and severe symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes for PMS
Lifestyle changes are a comprehensive way to lead to overall wellness, which in turn reduces the severity of PMS symptoms, and in some cases, can eliminate them altogether. Implementing changes in habit entails little to no health risk, although it does require a modicum of dedication. Healthy eating, stress reduction, and quitting smoking are some of the best ways to reduce PMS symptoms.
These changes can go a long way to improve overall health, but in general, they do not address the hormonal imbalance that is at the root of PMS symptoms. For that reason, further treatment may be necessary for more severe symptoms. Alternative medicines are a safe and natural option to help with this.
Alternative Medicine for PMS
There are many different types of alternative medicine, but supplements in particular can be the most helpful in terms of reducing PMS symptoms. There are two types of supplements that can address the underlying hormonal imbalance behind PMS symptoms: phytoestrogenic and hormone-regulating herbal supplements.
Additionally, there are other types of supplements that can also relieve PMS symptoms, or at least make them more manageable, including vitamins and other herbal supplements.
In many cases, a combination of healthy lifestyle adjustments and alternative supplements is the most effective way to relieve PMS symptoms and address the underlying hormonal imbalance. However, for incredibly severe symptoms that completely impede daily functioning and do not respond to other treatment, medical intervention may be necessary.
Pharmaceutical Options for PMS
These options typically entail more risk than the above approach, and they generally require a prescription from an MD. These treatment methods may not be appropriate for all women, depending on their medical history. There are two main pharmaceutical options for treating PMS symptoms: hormonal interventions and mood-regulating medication.
The approaches above can be combined as necessary to form a personalized treatment that best addresses the PMS symptoms an individual woman is experiencing. Many women find that all of their PMS symptoms are relieved with a mix of healthy habits and alternative supplements