PMS pills before menstruation. Antidepressants as a treatment for menstrual depression. Diet, nutrition for premenstrual syndrome

Any little thing during PMS throws a woman out of balance: tears, hysteria and, finally, someone’s irritated question: “Are you getting your period soon?” Some view this phenomenon as a necessary evil. However, you can get rid of PMS. the site consulted with a doctor, obstetrician-gynecologist Kokotyukha Irina.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex of unpleasant symptoms that occurs in women 7-14 days before menstruation.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of PMS: from depression, irritability and lethargy to severe headaches (migraines), allergic reactions on the skin, diarrhea or constipation, swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands. Moreover, the signs of PMS and its course are individual for each woman. For example, some people have a terrible headache a week before their period, weight gain, and acne appears on their face. While others only 2-3 days before menstruation begin to suffer from depression and insomnia.

Causes

During the premenstrual period, fluctuations in sex hormones occur in a woman’s body and the manifestations of PMS depend directly on the individual reaction to such fluctuations.

Hormones not only regulate the menstrual cycle, but also “hit” other systems of the body, for example, the central nervous system, genitourinary system, etc. This results in irritability, and a slowdown in kidney function leads to edema. Fortunately, by the beginning of menstruation, everything returns to normal, and we temporarily forget about PMS.

There are other reasons, for example, lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, consumption of large amounts of salt, alcohol, coffee, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and of course, stress. So, if you feel that PMS periods are becoming more difficult, think about your lifestyle. Experts believe that severe PMS can also be inherited.

No. 1. Go to the doctor

Listen to yourself. Try to keep a diary for 4 to 6 months in which you clearly describe your emotional experiences and physical sensations.
Contact your gynecologist. Having studied your “mood,” the doctor will be able to understand whether it is really PMS and will help you choose medications, diet, and tell you what regimen you need to follow during the premenstrual period.

Typically, treatment for PMS depends on the symptoms you experience. There are many drugs for this: sedatives, analgesics and antispasmodics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal drugs, diuretics.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives, vitamin preparations and nutritional supplements.

#2: Change your diet

Very often you can get rid of PMS without resorting to medications. To do this, it is enough to refrain from bad eating habits at least 10 - 7 days before the start of your period:

  • Limit your consumption of sugar, salt, coffee, strong tea and do not exceed the required daily amount of liquid - 1.5 liters per day (it is better if it is mineral water and unsweetened juices)! Excess fluid in the body leads to painful breast swelling and swelling.
  • Alcohol is also harmful. It increases the feeling of hunger, headache, irritability.
  • Forget about products containing artificial additives and flavors.
  • Beware of large amounts of animal fats, as they are the main source of cholesterol, the excess of which contributes to the disruption of blood circulation. But dishes made from fish, poultry or lean beef will come in handy.
  • Replace butter with vegetable oil. Do not limit yourself to fresh vegetables and fruits, as they contain the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By the way, vitamins A and D improve skin condition and prevent the appearance of acne during PMS. And vitamin E relieves pain in the mammary glands and relieves depression.

No. 3. Lead a healthy lifestyle

Exercising increases the body's endurance, and this is important in the fight against premenstrual syndrome.

Don't overload your nervous system! Insufficient sleep only increases irritability and reduces the body's resistance to stress.

Therefore, take a week's break from night work, try to sleep for at least 8 hours, in a well-ventilated room, and take a contrast shower before bed.

The fewer cigarettes you smoke, the easier your PMS will be. Scientists have long proven that nicotine significantly worsens the course of premenstrual syndrome.

Yoga and breathing exercises are great for PMS headaches. For example, sit cross-legged and, smoothly raising your arms up, take a deep breath. When your arms are above your head, hold the air for a few seconds. Then, slowly lowering your arms, exhale.

Doctors have long puzzled over the causes of female malaise before menstruation. Some healers associated it with the phases of the moon, others with the area in which the woman lived.

The girl’s condition before her period remained a mystery for a long time. Only in the twentieth century the veil of secrecy was lifted a little.

PMS is a mix of 150 different physical and mental symptoms. To one degree or another, about 75% of women experience manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

How long does PMS last for girls? Unpleasant symptoms begin to appear 2-10 days before the start of menstruation, and disappear with the appearance of the “red” days of the calendar.

  • Crime chronicle. PMS is not only frayed nerves and broken plates. Most road accidents, crimes, and thefts committed by women occurred between the 21st and 28th days of the menstrual cycle.
  • Shopping therapy. According to research, a few days before their period, women are most susceptible to the temptation to buy as much as possible.
  • Women engaged in mental work and residents of large cities are more susceptible to symptoms of PMS.
  • The term PMS was first used by Robert Frank, an obstetrician-gynecologist from England.

Why does premenstrual syndrome occur?

Numerous studies have not been able to identify the exact causes of premenstrual syndrome. There are many theories of its occurrence: “water intoxication” (impaired water-salt metabolism), allergic nature (increased sensitivity to endogenous substances), psychosomatic, hormonal, etc.

But the most complete is the hormonal theory, which explains the symptoms of PMS by fluctuations in the level of sex hormones in the 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle. For the normal, harmonious functioning of a woman’s body, the balance of sex hormones is very important:

  • - they improve physical and mental well-being, increase tone, creativity, speed of assimilation of information, and learning abilities
  • progesterone - has a sedative effect, which can lead to depressive symptoms in phase 2 of the cycle
  • androgens - affect libido, increase energy, performance

During the second phase of the menstrual cycle, a woman's hormonal background changes. According to this theory, the cause of PMS lies in the “inadequate” reaction of the body, including the parts of the brain responsible for behavior and emotions, to cyclical changes in hormonal levels, which is often inherited.

Since the days before menstruation are endocrine unstable, many women experience psycho-vegetative and somatic disorders. In this case, the decisive role is played not so much by the level of hormones (which may be normal), but by fluctuations in the content of sex hormones during the menstrual cycle and how the limbic parts of the brain, responsible for behavior and emotions, react to these changes:

  • an increase in estrogen and first an increase and then a decrease in progesterone- hence fluid retention, swelling, engorgement and tenderness of the mammary glands, cardiovascular disorders, irritability, aggression, tearfulness
  • hypersecretion - also leads to fluid and sodium retention in the body
  • excess prostaglandins— , digestive disorders, migraine-like headaches

The most likely factors influencing the development of the syndrome, about which medical opinions do not differ:

  • Decreased serotonin levels- this is the so-called “hormone of joy”, can be the cause of the development of mental signs of premenstrual syndrome, since a decrease in its level causes sadness, tearfulness, melancholy and depression.
  • Vitamin B6 deficiency— a lack of this vitamin is indicated by symptoms such as fatigue, fluid retention in the body, mood swings, and breast hypersensitivity.
  • Lack of magnesium - magnesium deficiency can cause dizziness, headaches, cravings for chocolate.
  • Smoking. Women who smoke are twice as likely to experience premenstrual syndrome.
  • Overweight . Women with a body mass index of over 30 are three times more likely to suffer from PMS symptoms.
  • Genetic factor— it is possible that the peculiarities of premenstrual syndrome are inherited.
  • , complicated childbirth, stress, surgical interventions, infections, gynecological pathologies.

Main symptoms and manifestations of premenstrual syndrome

Groups of symptoms for PMS:

  • Neuropsychiatric disorders: aggression, depression, irritability, tearfulness.
  • Vegetovascular disorders: changes in blood pressure, headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia,.
  • Exchange-endocrine disorders: swelling, increased body temperature, chills, engorgement of the mammary glands, itching, flatulence, shortness of breath, thirst, memory loss, .

PMS in women can be divided into several forms, but their symptoms usually do not appear in isolation, but are combined. In the presence of psychovegetative manifestations, especially depression, women’s pain threshold decreases and they perceive pain more acutely.

Neuropsychiatric
Crisis form
Atypical manifestations of PMS
Disturbances in the nervous and emotional spheres:
  • anxiety disorders
  • feeling of unreasonable melancholy
  • depression
  • feeling of fear
  • depression
  • impaired concentration
  • forgetfulness
  • insomnia (see)
  • irritability
  • mood swings
  • decreased or significant increase in libido
  • aggression
  • attacks of tachycardia
  • blood pressure surges
  • heartache
  • attacks of frequent urination
  • panic attacks

Most women have diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.

  • low-grade fever (up to 37.7°C)
  • increased drowsiness
  • bouts of vomiting
  • allergic reactions (ulcerative gingivitis and stomatitis, etc.)
Edema form
Cephalgic form
  • swelling of the face and limbs
  • thirst
  • weight gain
  • itchy skin
  • decreased urine output
  • digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea, flatulence)
  • headache
  • joint pain

Negative diuresis with fluid retention is noted.

The leading ones are mainly neurological and vegetative-vascular manifestations:
  • migraine, throbbing pain, radiating to the eye area
  • cardialgia (pain in the heart area)
  • vomiting, nausea
  • tachycardia
  • increased sensitivity to smells, sounds
  • in 75% of women, radiography of the skull shows hyperostosis, increased vascular pattern

The family history of women with this form is burdened with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases.

PMS occurs differently in every woman, and symptoms vary significantly. According to the results of some studies, women with PMS have the following frequency of manifestation of one or another symptom of PMS:

Symptom frequency %

Hormonal theory of PMS

irritability 94
breast tenderness 87
bloating 75
tearfulness 69
  • depression
  • sensitivity to odors
  • headache
56
  • swelling
  • weakness
  • sweating
50
  • heartbeat
  • aggressiveness
44
  • dizziness
  • pain in the lower abdomen
  • nausea
37
  • increase in pressure
  • diarrhea
  • weight gain
19
vomit 12
constipation 6
pain in the spine 3

Premenstrual syndrome can aggravate other diseases:

  • Anemia (see)
  • (cm. )
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Allergic reactions
  • Inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs

Diagnostics: what can masquerade as symptoms of PMS?

Since dates and deadlines are easily forgotten, to make your task easier, you should keep a calendar or diary where you write down the start and end dates of menstruation, ovulation (basal temperature), weight, and symptoms that bother you. Keeping such a diary for 2-3 cycles will greatly simplify diagnosis and allow you to track the frequency of PMS symptoms.

The severity of premenstrual syndrome is determined by the number, duration and intensity of symptoms:

  • Mild form: 3-4 symptoms or 1-2 if they are significantly pronounced
  • Severe form: 5-12 symptoms or 2-5, but very pronounced, and regardless of the duration and their number, if they lead to disability (usually the neuropsychiatric form)

The main feature that distinguishes premenstrual syndrome from other diseases or conditions is cyclicity. That is, deterioration in well-being occurs several days before menstruation (from 2 to 10) and completely disappears with their arrival. However, unlike psycho-vegetative ones, physical discomfort in the first days of the next cycle can intensify and smoothly transform into disorders such as menstrual migraine.

  • If a woman feels relatively well in phase 1 of the cycle, then this is premenstrual syndrome, and not a chronic disease - neurosis, depression,
  • If pain appears only immediately before and during menstruation, especially when combined with - it is most likely not PMS, but other gynecological diseases - chronic endometritis, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and others.

To establish the form of the syndrome, studies of hormones are carried out: prolactin, estradiol and progesterone. The doctor may also prescribe additional diagnostic methods, depending on the prevailing complaints:

  • For severe headaches, dizziness, decreased vision and fainting, a computed tomography or MRI scan is prescribed to rule out organic brain diseases.
  • If there is an abundance of neuropsychiatric diseases, an EEG is indicated to exclude epileptic syndrome.
  • In case of severe edema, changes in the daily amount of urine (diuresis), tests are performed to diagnose the kidneys (see).
  • In case of severe and painful engorgement of the mammary glands, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the mammary glands and mammography to exclude organic pathology.

Not only a gynecologist examines women suffering from PMS, but also involves psychiatrists, neurologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists and therapists.

Premenstrual syndrome or pregnancy?

Some symptoms of PMS are similar to those of pregnancy (see). After conception, the content of the hormone progesterone increases in a woman’s body, which also occurs during PMS, so the following symptoms are identical:

  • fast fatiguability
  • breast swelling and tenderness
  • nausea, vomiting
  • irritability, mood swings
  • lower back pain

How to distinguish pregnancy from PMS? Comparison of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy:

Symptoms Pregnancy Premenstrual syndrome
  • Breast tenderness
accompanies the entire pregnancy with the onset of menstruation the pain goes away
  • Appetite
the attitude towards food changes, you want inedible, salty, beer, things that a woman usually doesn’t like, the sense of smell is greatly heightened, ordinary smells can be very irritating may crave sweet and salty foods, sensitivity to smells
  • Back pain
only in later stages May have lower back pain
  • Increased fatigue
starts 4-5 weeks after conception can appear either immediately after ovulation or 2-5 days before menstruation
mild, short-lived pain individually in each case
  • Emotional condition
frequent mood swings, tearfulness irritability
  • Frequent urination
Maybe No
  • Toxicosis
from 4-5 weeks after conception possible nausea, vomiting

The signs of both conditions are very similar, so it is not easy to understand what exactly is happening in a woman’s body and distinguish pregnancy from PMS:

  • The easiest way to find out what causes poor health is to wait until your period starts.
  • If the calendar is already late, you should take a pregnancy test. A pharmacy test will give reliable results only if menstruation is delayed. It is sensitive to the pregnancy hormone (hCG) excreted in the urine. If you don’t have the patience and nerves to wait, you can take a blood test for hCG. It shows almost one hundred percent results on the tenth day after conception.
  • The best option to find out what is bothering you - PMS syndrome or pregnancy - is to visit a gynecologist. The doctor will assess the condition of the uterus and, if pregnancy is suspected, prescribe an ultrasound.

When to see a doctor

If the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome significantly reduce the quality of life, affect the ability to work and are of a pronounced nature, treatment cannot be avoided. After a thorough examination, the doctor will prescribe drug therapy and give the necessary recommendations to alleviate the syndrome.

How can a doctor help?

In most cases, treatment is symptomatic. Depending on the form, course and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, a woman needs:

  • Psychotherapy - mood swings, irritability, depression, from which both the woman and her loved ones suffer, are corrected using stabilizing behavioral techniques and psycho-emotional relaxation.
  • For headaches, lower back and abdominal pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for temporary pain relief (Nimesulide, Ketanov, see).
  • Diuretics for removing excess fluid from the body during edema (see).
  • Hormonal therapy is prescribed for insufficiency of the second phase of the cycle, only after functional diagnostic tests, based on the results of identified changes. Progestins are used - Medroxyprogesterone acetate from 16 to 25 days of the cycle.
  • prescribed for a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms (insomnia, nervousness, aggressiveness, anxiety, panic attacks, depression): Amitriptyline, Rudotel, Tazepam, Sonapax, Sertraline, Zoloft, Prozac, etc. in phase 2 of the cycle after 2 days from the onset of symptoms.
  • In crisis and cephalgic forms, it is possible to prescribe Parlodel in phase 2 of the cycle, or if prolactin is elevated, then in a continuous mode, it has a normalizing effect on the central nervous system.
  • For cephalgic and edematous forms, antiprostaglandin drugs (Indomethacin, Naprosyn) are recommended in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
  • Since women often have elevated levels of histamine and serotonin during PMS, the doctor may prescribe 2nd generation antihistamines (see) 2 days before the expected worsening of the condition at night before the 2nd day of menstruation.
  • To improve blood circulation in the central nervous system, it is possible to use Grandaxin, Nootropil, Aminolon for 2-3 weeks.
  • In case of crisis, cephalgic and neuropsychic forms, drugs that normalize neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system are indicated - Peritol, Difenin, the doctor prescribes the drug for a period of 3-6 months.
  • Homeopathic medicines Remens or Mastodinon.

What can you do?

  • Full sleep

Try to sleep as long as your body has time to fully rest, usually 8-10 hours (see. Lack of sleep leads to irritability, anxiety and aggression, and negatively affects the functioning of the immune system. If you suffer from insomnia, try walking before bed, breathing technology.

  • Aromatherapy

In the absence of allergies, compositions of specially selected aromatic oils are a good weapon against PMS symptoms. Geranium and rose will help normalize the cycle. Lavender and basil effectively fight spasms. Juniper and bergamot improve mood. Start taking baths with aromatic oils two weeks before your period.

Hiking, running, Pilates, bodyflex, yoga, dancing are an excellent way to treat the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome in women. Regular exercise increases endorphin levels, which helps combat depression and insomnia, and also reduces the severity of physical symptoms.

  • Two weeks before your period, take vitamin B6 and magnesium

Magne B6, Magnerot, as well as vitamins E and A - this will make it much more effective to combat such manifestations of PMS as: rapid heartbeat, heart pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and irritability.

  • Nutrition

Eat more fruits and vegetables, foods high in fiber, and also include calcium-rich foods in your diet. Temporarily limit the consumption of coffee, chocolate, cola, as caffeine increases mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. The daily diet should include 10% fat, 15% protein and 75% carbohydrates. Fat intake should be reduced, and beef consumption, some types of which contain artificial estrogens, should also be limited. Herbal teas and freshly squeezed juices, especially carrot and lemon, are beneficial. It is better not to drink alcohol; it depletes reserves of mineral salts and B vitamins, disrupts carbohydrate metabolism, and reduces the liver’s ability to utilize hormones.

  • Relaxation practices

Avoid stress, try not to overwork and maintain a positive mood and thinking; relaxation practices - yoga, meditation - help with this.

  • Regular sex

This helps fight insomnia, stress and bad mood, increases endorphin levels, and strengthens the immune system. At this time, many women's sexual appetite increases - why not surprise your partner and try something new?

  • Medicinal plants

They can also help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: Vitex - relieves heaviness and pain in the mammary glands, Primrose (evening primrose) - for headaches and swelling, is an excellent antidepressant, normalizes libido, improves well-being and reduces fatigue.

A balanced diet, adequate physical activity, vitamin supplements, healthy sleep, regular sex, and a positive attitude towards life will help alleviate the psychological and physical manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome includes neuropsychic disorders and various metabolic manifestations. Today, there are many remedies for PMS that will alleviate the condition of women. In order to get rid of the disease, an integrated approach is needed.

Causes of the syndrome

During the menstrual cycle, the egg is released from the follicle. During the process of exit, the follicle bursts and a yellow body appears. This body has great hormonal activity. Parts of the brain that are responsible for mood, metabolic processes, and vascular manifestations react to this activity. The syndrome is usually inherited.

Previously, experts claimed that the syndrome manifests itself in women whose hormonal system has failed. But today doctors say that patients have a systematic ovulatory cycle and are completely healthy.

During premenstrual syndrome, there is a significant increase in estrogens and a decrease in gestagens. Estrogens are responsible for fluid and sodium retention in the human body. Because of this, swelling, headaches, and heaviness in the chest appear. As a result of fluid retention, intestinal swelling occurs. Nausea, constipation and heaviness in the stomach appear. Estrogens have a strong effect on the part of the brain that is responsible for the limbic system (formation of emotions). With PMS, a decrease in glucose and potassium occurs, which leads to weakness of the body and decreased activity. The amount of gestagens in the body determines the time of onset of the syndrome, as well as its duration.

Also, the appearance of PMS is promoted by an insufficient amount of vitamins and saturated acids. This leads to changes in mood, increased temperature, and intestinal problems.

Symptoms

There are three main types of symptoms that determine the complexity of a woman’s condition:

  • Nervous breakdown. Manifests itself as irritability, depression, depression, mood changes.
  • Autonomic-vascular disorders. Lead to heart pain, nausea, fever, and headaches.
  • Change in metabolism. Characterized by edema, enlarged mammary glands, shortness of breath, thirst, chills.

If a woman becomes depressed during PMS, other pain and discomfort will be felt more strongly. Often depression turns into migraine, which is difficult to cure.

Treatment

There are various methods that help improve the general condition of a woman.

  • Psychotherapy.
  • Nutrition.
  • Use of drugs and alternative medicine.

Psychotherapy

One of the effective remedies for PMS is psychotherapy. Using this method allows you to get rid of depression, mood swings, and excessive aggressiveness. To obtain results, special relaxation techniques are used. Often this technique is carried out within the family circle so that relatives can understand the complexity of the woman’s condition.

Nutrition

To improve your PMS condition, you need to consume foods containing plant fiber. Fiber helps remove fluid from the body, which means swelling will decrease. Every day you need to consume 70% complex carbohydrates, 20% proteins and 10% fats. The amount of fat intake must be reduced, since the liver will take part in the metabolism of estrogen. It is also necessary to give up beef for a while. Since it usually contains artificial hormones.

There is no need to eat sweet and salty foods. You should also avoid drinks that contain caffeine. Caffeine leads to sleep disturbances, nervous disorders, and irritability.

Drugs

If a woman exhibits many signs of PMS, she needs to seek help from a specialist. He will be able to advise on the use of drugs. There are several types of PMS remedies. The choice of remedy depends on the cause of the syndrome. Therefore, it is necessary to take the choice of drug seriously.

The syndrome is often treated with hormonal agents. The use of hormones is most effective, since PMS is associated with excessive ovarian activity. Hormonal drugs include: gestagens, contraceptives, androgens, agonists. These drugs are prescribed only by a doctor. Self-administration may lead to complications.

Most women try to avoid treatment with hormones. In this case, non-hormonal remedies for PMS can come to the rescue. These include vitamins and minerals, herbal medicines, vasoactive agents, diuretics, drugs with metabolic effects, psychotropic substances, non-steroidal drugs. The course of treatment with non-hormonal agents is usually six to seven months. After stopping the medication, the effect lasts approximately four to five months. After this period of time, the course of treatment must be repeated again.

"Duphaston" and "Norkolut"

If the doctor has detected a large amount of estrogens, he will prescribe the use of gestagens. The group of gestagens includes drugs such as Norkolut and Duphaston.

Antihistamines

If there is a marked increase in serotonin or histamine in the patient’s body, the doctor prescribes antihistamines. These include "Suprastin". Usually the tablets are taken at night two days before the onset of premenstrual syndrome. And stop taking the medicine on the first day of your period.

"Aminalon" or "Nootropil"

"Aminalon" and "Nootropil" are used when a woman's mental state is disturbed. These drugs are effective for PMS. The medicine is prescribed by a doctor; it is prohibited to purchase and use it independently without consulting a specialist. They need to be drunk for fourteen days from the first day of menstruation. Moreover, to obtain the effect, it is necessary to repeat the course of treatment for three months.

"Parlodel"

This remedy for PMS is prescribed if there is an increase in the amount of prolactin. You need to take the medicine for two weeks, and you need to start two days before the syndrome.

Diuretics

Diuretics are used when severe swelling occurs. They should be taken four days before PMS. You can stop taking it on the first day of your menstruation. But if the edematous condition is accompanied by severe headaches and vision problems, then Diacarb is prescribed.

"Diclofenac"

If premenstrual syndrome is characterized by constant severe pain, then specialists usually prescribe the drug Diclofenac. Treatment takes place over three months. After which you should stop taking the medicine. Usually, three months after taking the drug, symptoms of the syndrome appear again, but they become less pronounced. Many experts consider Diclofenac the best remedy for PMS, as it eliminates many symptoms and relieves the syndrome for six months.

"Afobazol"

Afobazol and other antidepressants are prescribed by a psychiatrist. "Afobazole" is a remedy for PMS, mood swings and neuroses. The drug is a daily drug, as it does not affect daytime activity. To get the effect, you need to drink it for six months.

Vitamins

Vitamins A and E have a positive effect on the female body. Vitamins can be taken or administered intramuscularly. The course of treatment is thirty days. If the vitamins have no effect, then you need to start taking vitamins B6 and magnesium the next month.

Treatment of PMS with folk remedies

The use of alternative medicine is determined by the unique properties of herbal remedies, which can eliminate pain, normalize the functioning of the intestines, and calm the nervous system. In order to get results from use, it is necessary to constantly use herbs and begin treatment several days before the onset of suspected premenstrual syndrome. The result will not be long in coming if a woman uses herbs monthly.

Potentilla grass

This herb helps relieve abdominal pain by strengthening the uterus. To use, you need to make a decoction of the herb. To do this, pour a large spoonful of chopped cinquefoil into a glass of boiling water and simmer for half an hour over low heat. Then filter the broth, divide into three parts and drink throughout the day.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a sedative for PMS. In order to prepare the remedy, you need to pour boiling water (500 ml) into two tablespoons of leaves and let it brew for two hours. Then you need to strain the infusion, divide into four parts and drink throughout the day.

Nettle

Nettle helps get rid of swelling and relieve tension and irritability. Nettle is also considered to help with PMS. The decoction is prepared as follows: pour one large spoon of nettle with two glasses of strained boiling water and boil for half an hour. You need to drink the decoction in the morning and evening before meals.

Elder

An infusion of elderflower flowers will help get rid of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. To do this, you need to pour two large spoons of flowers with two glasses of boiling water. Then you need to leave the infusion for an hour. After an hour, you can drink one hundred grams of medicine before meals. Usually the infusion has a bitter taste, so it can be consumed with a dessert spoon of honey.

Raspberries

One of the best sedatives for PMS, according to most women, is raspberry. Raspberries prevent depression and reduce pain. To prepare the decoction, you need to take two large spoons of crushed leaves and pour one liter of boiling water. The resulting mixture should be brought to a boil, strained and covered with a lid. The decoction should be consumed three times a day before meals.

Conclusion

The causes of PMS are varied. In order for the treatment to be successful, the help of a specialist is necessary. One of the best remedies for PMS, according to women, are hormonal medications. Hormones help to get rid of the disease in a short time. But these drugs have their downsides. If used incorrectly, complications may follow.

Non-hormonal agents are also effective. But in order to get results from treatment, regular use of medications is necessary.

Most women also choose traditional medicine to treat premenstrual syndrome. The positive side of this type of treatment is the absence of adverse reactions on the woman’s body. But in order to completely avoid PMS symptoms, you need to constantly drink decoctions.

Let's try to figure out together how much we can, on our own or with the help of medical means, solve a problem that concerns millions of women living in different countries, different ages and social groups. For many of them, unfortunately, it is very vital.

Read in this article

Causes

Every modern woman knows that her body is complex. Nature has thought out thousands of options for its correct reaction to changes occurring in the surrounding world and in itself - under the influence of various circumstances, during contacts with other people, with the onset of certain age-related changes. Ecology, constant stress, and the rapid acceleration of the pace of life cause a number of painful conditions that are difficult to make a correct diagnosis and treat. And one of them is .

This phenomenon is familiar to every woman - some, fortunately, know about it only by hearsay. Almost everyone is faced with the same global question that requires taking urgent measures: how to survive PMS? Is it possible to minimize extremely unpleasant sensations? How to deal with it?

How to alleviate the condition?

There are several ways to alleviate PMS that will help minimize psychological distress and physical ailments:

1. Daily routine

It is strongly recommended to review your daily routine: less physical activity, no rush jobs in the workplace, no prolonged sitting in front of the monitor. Active sports activities are equally contraindicated. A little exercise will only help, as will calm walks in the park, along your favorite quiet streets.

2. Get a good night's sleep

You should definitely get enough sleep - give your body the opportunity to gather its strength. Avoid obviously stressful situations, put off clarifying relationships and solving unpleasant issues that can cause stress.

3. Balanced nutrition

  • One of the most important points is proper organization. A varied, balanced menu that includes vegetables and will greatly support you during this period.
  • You should exclude smoked, salty foods, everything fatty and spicy from your diet, and increase the amount of plant fiber and fresh juices.
  • Strong drinks are not helpful these days - alcohol, coffee, black tea, soda. Their use causes unnecessary arousal, increases irritability, and can cause insomnia.
  • Honey, dried fruits, and nuts have a wonderful effect on the female body, and in this difficult period they are real saviors.

4. No smoking!

Stop smoking. It not only intensifies PMS; cigarettes are, in principle, incompatible with women's health and beauty.

How to overcome PMS

How can a woman fight PMS? Gather your strength and start following the rules of a healthy lifestyle - all those tips that we hear and read a lot about, but are in no hurry to take advantage of them. They really help relieve PMS:

  • Drink more pure water and herbal teas - lemon balm, chamomile, mint, linden. They remove waste and toxins, relieve nervousness, promote good deep sleep;
  • cook fish dishes more often, eat a lot of greens;
  • take vitamins. For PMS, specially developed vitamin complexes significantly alleviate the condition and relieve pain.

Treatment

However, there are conditions when you cannot cope with it on your own. Qualified medical care is needed; self-medication can not only aggravate an already serious condition, but also cause significant harm to health. What drugs treat PMS?

Even generally healthy women really suffer from PMS from sudden and severe headaches, unexpected increases in blood pressure, and depression.

If the cup of suffering is overflowing, be sure to undergo a full medical examination. It will help to find out the causes and give the right directions for treatment.

Medicines

Sometimes you cannot do without serious medications that only a doctor can select.

Sedatives and psychotropic drugs:

  • drugs that eliminate the feeling of increased anxiety - Rudotel, Seduxen;
  • antidepressants Coaxil, Tsipramine.

Effective medications for PMS are:

  • Duphaston, Utrozhestan;
  • contraceptives: , Yarina, Zhanine;
  • Danazol is usually prescribed for discomfort in the mammary glands;
  • , Zoladex disables ovarian function, which leads to the disappearance of PMS symptoms;
  • in the premenopausal period, Dostinex and Parlodel are used.

If you are worried about severe swelling during PMS, diuretics are prescribed; if blood pressure increases, antihypertensive drugs are prescribed.

For severe allergic reactions, antihistamines are used.

Homeopathy is also used to treat PMS. An experienced homeopathic doctor will tell you how to cope with PMS, who will select suitable herbal non-hormonal preparations. For example, Remens or. They effectively restore the balance of hormones, eliminate symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, and fear.

Folk remedies

PMS can be effectively treated with folk remedies. There are many recipes that traditional medicine has created so that women can endure unpleasant symptoms with the least loss.

The following fees will help alleviate the condition and eliminate menstrual irregularities:

  • lemon balm and mint take 1.5 tablespoons each; 1 tablespoon each of valerian, jasmine and chamomile flowers. Pour boiling water over everything and cover for 10 minutes. Drink the broth in small sips throughout the day;
  • A decoction of 3 tablespoons of chamomile, to which one and a half tablespoons of yarrow and lemon balm are added, has a therapeutic effect. The decoction is taken three times a day.
  • gentian and acacia leaves, 2 tablespoons each, pour boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. This herbal tea is drunk during the week preceding the onset of menstruation;
  • prepare a mixture of peppermint leaves, lemon leaves, valerian roots, yarrow and chamomile - 1.5 tablespoons of each herb. Pour boiling water over two tablespoons of the mixture and leave in a thermos.
In medicine, this condition is clearly defined and is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • Premenstrual syndrome is a set of symptoms... The edematous form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common.


  • Antidepressants are medications that are used to treat various types of depression, including depression caused by severe menstrual syndrome accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

    An analysis of scientific research on this topic suggests that more than 8% of women with premenstrual syndrome susceptible to developing dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The last week before the onset of menstruation is accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, sadness, uselessness, depressed mood, apathy, and self-deprecating thoughts. This condition requires specialized help.

    Severe depression in PMDD is today treated with birth control pills, psychiatric medications (antidepressants and dietary supplements - saffron, calcium). Research has shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac, are highly effective in treating this problem. These medications make it easier for women to tolerate PMDD, improve their general condition, and eliminate the main symptoms of depression.

    Serotonin is a chemical substance, a neurotransmitter, that has a direct connection with a person’s mood. Antidepressants help preserve serotonin in cells and prolong its effect.

    The development of premenstrual syndrome is influenced by hormonal changes in a woman’s body that occur throughout the entire cycle. These changes also affect serotonin levels. When women with PMDD are prescribed special antidepressants, a positive effect occurs in more than 70% of cases.

    PMDD can be distinguished from ordinary premenstrual syndrome at the very beginning by symptoms such as unmotivated anger, unmotivated anxiety, depression, general weakness of the body, loss of appetite, insomnia, and acute attacks of headache.

    However, not everyone can prescribe antidepressants from the SSRI group. For example, Paxil is dangerous for teenagers with severe depression; it has the opposite effect and only worsens the depressive disorder, increasing thoughts of suicide and self-harm.

    In addition, scientists say that women with PMDD do not need to immediately start taking antidepressants. First, you can try treatment with hormonal contraceptives or sedatives. If such therapy does not give any result, then only then can you turn to antidepressants. In some cases, treatment for PMDD in women can be multicomponent and include calcium intake, SSRI medications, a strict diet, and adherence to a sleep and rest schedule. It is important to include caffeine and sweet carbohydrate drinks in the diet, which improve mood in women with PMS.

    Xenon therapy for PMS

    Xenon therapy is a new highly effective method of relieving premenstrual syndrome in women - from adolescence to the onset of menopause. Xenon inhalations relieve pain, have a pronounced relaxation, antidepressant, sedative effect, relieve nervous tension, improve mood, increase self-esteem, and regulate the production of happiness hormones in the body. If every month during PMS a woman undergoes an average of 5 xenon therapy procedures lasting up to 30 minutes, then the onset of menstruation and its course will be painless and calm psychologically.

    You can undergo xenon treatment at our medical center. We provide this service directly in the clinic and at the patient’s home.

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