How to Use Medication to Manage PMS

PMS is thought to be caused by the fluctuation of hormones during the second half of your menstrual cycle. During this time, your menstrual cycle plays havoc with your body and causes seemingly uncontrollable food cravings, body changes and mental anguish. If you find yourself in need of alternatives for PMS treatment, consult a physician. He or she can prescribe medications, such as diuretics, painkillers, oral contraceptive pills and antidepressants, to help you deal with your symptoms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Determine the Right Medication to Manage PMS

1. Understand how diuretics work before taking them to treat PMS. Effective in increasing urine production, which helps to decrease fluid retention, diuretics can minimize the uncomfortable bloating caused by PMS.
2. Manage an unruly mental state with the use of antidepressants. These prescription medications work by increasing serotonin, a brain chemical.

Know What to Expect From Your PMS Medication

3. Set realistic expectations. You may not be able to ease all of your PMS symptoms with medication. However, you may feel short-term relief of some symptoms.
4. Ask your doctor for details about the PMS treatments that have been the most effective. Target the most successful medications and discuss your options with an endocrinologist if necessary.
5. Look out for PMS medication side effects. Make sure you learn what to expect from the medications you consume. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details about any harmful effects of your prescribed medications.
6. Stick to a routine for taking your medication. For the maximum effect, you will want to take your dose about the same time each day.
7. Give your medication a chance to work. Allow at least 3 weeks before switching to different medications, as your body needs time to adjust to the drugs.

Discover How Medication Can Regulate Hormone Levels

8. Research hormone-replacement therapies if you find your symptoms do not subside with the use of oral contraceptives. Some birth control pills regulate hormone levels, but do not offer an additional amount of estrogen. Hormone-replacement therapy can help to boost estrogen levels.
9. Decide whether a hormone patch may be the right option. The patch can be helpful if a premenstrual blood test reveals a severe drop in estrogen levels.
10. Understand that oral contraceptives are effective for many women who are looking to correct hormonal imbalances. Low-dose pills tend to be very effective at curtailing hormonal fluctuations.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss your symptoms with a professional if you find you are unable to cope with daily activities prior to menstruation.
• Never use diuretics to manage the normal weight fluctuations of PMS. They can be used, in moderation, to manage fluid retention, however.

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