Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Overview
   
• Symptoms
   
• Diagnosis & Treatment
• Prevention
   
• Further information

Prevention

There are a number of self-help measures that you can try to reduce the chance of suffering unpleasant PMS symptoms.¹

Keep a diary¹

One of the best ways is to discover what triggers your symptoms.¹

Record your symptoms in a diary for three months.¹ The National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome, a UK charity devoted to PMS awareness, has an interactive diary on its website for anyone who suffers PMS.¹ (Go to www.pms.org.uk/Menstrual+Diary)¹

It aims to reveal when your symptoms first arise, when they're most severe and when they start to decline.¹ You can then show the diary to your GP or consultant if you need to seek treatment.¹

Look at your diet¹

Although there isn't any clinical evidence to show that a healthy diet can improve symptoms, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to say that it can.¹

And there is no doubt that a healthy, balanced diet can lead to a sense of well being.¹

You should:¹

• Cut back on sugar, salt, caffeine and alcohol
• Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables day
• Increase the amount of water you drink
• Some women find that three hourly carbohydrate snacks, where you eat food such as rice cakes, crackers, bread sticks help. These are slow releasing energy foods which help to keep up energy levels.¹

Release stress

Try and do at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.¹ Although there is no evidence to say that exercise improves symptoms of PMS, there is plenty of evidence to show that it boosts levels of endorphins, the body's own happy hormones.

Also make time for yourself.¹ Do something you enjoy just for yourself, even if it's just going for a long walk, or a hot bath.¹