Remedies or Suggestions for PMS?

M.-
I am right there with you. My cycles have gotten really bad and the PMS is awful, I can't even stand myself. I tried Lexapro a couple years ago, and It did help with the PMS, but had other side effects I didn't care for so I quit. I have found that It is about 2 weeks after my cycle that the PMS starts and I have these terrible leg cramps (which I found out was from lack of Magnesium & Calcium) and I have really bad cramps. I talked to my dr they said to try Aleve, but plan on discussing it some more with her next month. Don't really have any suggestions, but you are definately not alone.

I would say it is hormonal, and may be a form of PMDD, BAD PMS. I would suggest you make an appt with your OB/GYN as soon as you can and go over it with her. She can test your hormone's and give you prescription med's to help ease the symptoms.
Good Luck,
D.

I had exactly the same problem after my third son was born. Horrible cramps, bloating, mood swings. Very heavy period. I finally talked to my doctor. He put me on low dose birth control pills and the change has been dramatic. No more symptoms at all except slight bloating and minor cramps during my period. I can't tell you how much better I feel and how much better it has been around out house. I would really suggest talking to your doctor.

Hi M.,

I don't know what kind of birth control you use, but over the years they have really improved "The Pill". I know there are different ones that they use to treat all kinds of things.

Since I was in my teens I have always gotten a terrible migraine and had awful PMS - I now take Seasonale - the three month pill. Not only does it help with the PMS and the migraines, I only have a period once every three months!

I would talk to your OB/GYN and see what they recommend.

Good luck!

N.

Herbal remedies include: Dong Quai, Evening Primrose oil, Wild yam, black cohosh, St Johns Wort, red clover, valerian root, sage and others. You can talk to your gynocologist about what is best for you. I take a supplement that my doctor ok'd called Feminene. You can order it online at www.marketamerica.com/rndirby

I'm adding to the others who wrote in to take Calcium. My doctor suggested it and my ob/gyn suggested that also, but also Magnesium for the headaches. Even so, I get a bad headache the day before my period, but it sure beats the 8 days of headache I had before.
I'm not sure what other symptoms you have, and don't let the title of this book deceive you, but my regular doctor also suggested the book "When Your Body Gets the Blues" for all of my PMS symptoms. It has tons of great ideas in it; but it kind of boils down to getting your daily vitamins, exercise and...yes...even sunshine. Who knew vitamin D could be so great! Anyway, hope this helps.

vitex works great for me you can purchase it at vitamin stores or health food stores. when I start noticing my pms coming on I start taking them only until my symptoms go away and it really does help! take care

I take a natural supplement for my symptoms. I could tell you about it if interested. Just email me at ____@____.com and I would be happy to chat with you about it. God Bless! ~J.

always check with your doctor - there are lots of solutions available! ....& be careful with natural remedies. We've had several friends end up in the hospital from using herbal remedies. (I realize that's a fairly controversial comment, but all drugs/remedies have the potential for harm.) Good Luck!

I strongly suggest taking calcium/magnesium supplements a week or two before your period. It's actually good for you to take all the time, but in heavier doses right before your period. It works wonders!

I also started getting severe cramps after my son was born. I went to my doctor and he told me I probably had adenomyosis, which is harmless just painful. You can look it up on webmd or a similar site. It's more common after having children and especially after surgery (I had a c-section) and usually develops in your 30's. His suggestion was starting ibuprofen a couple days before my period and then continuing the scheduled dose on the bottle until it was over. The other alternative, which I was not interested in, was a hysterectomy. Anyway, I would definitely go see your doctor - s/he surely has some great suggestions! Good luck and feel better!

I don't know much about this, but I did medical transcription for 11 years and the physicians I typed for recommended often black cohosh and St. John's Wort out of those suggested on the earlier reply.