What to do with PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)?

The most important things in a nutshell:

• About 25% of the women unfortunately among them
• The symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days before menstruation
• Abdominal pain, mood swings and headaches are just a few of the symptoms
• A healthy diet can help

Not only menstrual cramps cause problems for many women, the so-called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also causes the female sex to suffer from them monthly due to various complaints. Premenstrual symptoms usually occur in around 25% of women 10 to 14 days before the actual menstruation. The symptoms are most severe about five days after the progesterone level is at its peak. The female cycle often leads to physical and mental fluctuations. Pain in the abdomen, mood swings, a feeling of tension in the breasts or even headaches are just some of the symptoms that can occur. It is not uncommon for those affected to feel depressed.

Approximately one in ten women feels that their quality of life is limited as a result of PMS. In some cases, the symptoms are so severe that they have to seek medical treatment. Because of this, PMS is also known to many as "the days before the days", which then usually disappear again from the second day after the onset of menstruation.

How can PMS symptoms be alleviated?

Premenstrual symptoms are also not the same every month, they vary and can also have a different intensity in each case. But how can premenstrual symptoms be alleviated or combated? For many of the symptoms that occur, there are already several methods of treating them.

Here we would like to share the most important tips from our point of view:

• Simple changes in lifestyle can already contribute to initial success: enough sleep, relaxation exercises, a healthy diet and sufficient exercise or sport can help to alleviate PMS.
• Herbal remedies: Monk's pepper, for example, is a recognized medicine and is known to alleviate PMS symptoms.
• Sufficient calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B6 can have a positive effect on PMS.
• Acupuncture and reflex zone massage can sometimes also help to alleviate PMS symptoms.

If you want to treat your premenstrual symptoms with medication, this must always be discussed and evaluated with a specialist.

PMS can get worse

Unfortunately there are some factors that can make PMS symptoms worse. Among other things, caffeine, nicotine, too much stress or too little sleep can all contribute to worsening symptoms. So make sure you have these factors under control.