How to Use Supplements to Manage PMS

Piecing together the PMS puzzle may seem to be a daunting task. However, many dieticians feel that the imbalance caused by the menstrual cycle is both controllable and treatable. Learning the causes of your PMS may alter your opinion of the condition and help you to understand the relationship between hormones and feelings. Feeling the blahs or blues might be triggered by falling estrogen levels in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. The use of supplements may help you to lessen your discomfort and manage your symptoms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dietician

Take Supplements to Relieve PMS

1. Add the vitamin B6 to your diet to ease mood swings and fatigue. Some PMS sufferers describe uncontrollable mood swings that persist for up to 2 weeks of the month. Vitamin B6, taken every day, may help you to fight these symptoms.
2. Increase your intake of vitamin E, as it is known to reduce sugar cravings and breast tenderness caused by PMS.
3. Adjust your magnesium intake. Increasing magnesium may serve to decrease the occurrence and severity of menstrual migraines.
4. Fight and prevent premenstrual acne flare-ups that are triggered by your fluctuating hormones. Take a zinc supplement to help control acne outbreaks.
5. Choose calcium pills to reduce water retention, cramps and back pain.
6. Minimize your intake of caffeine, salt and alcohol. Doing so may boost the relief your supplements are able to provide.

Find a Supplement to Manage PMS

7. Consult with a dietician about your PMS symptoms. A dietician may be able to help you in choosing the most suitable supplements. She may be able to assist you with establishing a PMS-friendly diet as well.
8. Take into account any allergies you may have and read the ingredient list before taking a new supplement. While many formulas are equipped to manage PMS symptoms, some may have ingredients that can cause adverse effects.
9. Buy "25 Natural Ways to Relieve PMS" by Nadine Taylor at Amazon (see Resources below). Use this book to educate yourself on supplements and PMS relief.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional before embarking on any supplement program.
• Never use supplements to replace daily food intake. Doing so may damage your health, leaving you lacking in vital nutrients.

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