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Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment Overview

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Care Plan

1

First steps to consider

  • Mild to moderate PMS symptoms can be treated at home.
  • Symptoms can be treated with OTC pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and lifestyle changes.
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2

When you may need a provider

  • PMS symptoms are moderate to severe or are interfering with your life.
  • You have mood symptoms for a week or two around your period.
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When to see a healthcare provider

You should consider seeing a healthcare provider if PMS symptoms such as cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood swings don’t respond to home care.

Also see a provider if your symptoms are moderate to severe, or they’re interfering with your life. This may be particularly important if you’re experiencing mood symptoms for a week or two around your period and it’s affecting your school, work, or social activities. There are PMS medications a doctor can prescribe to help with your symptoms.

Getting diagnosed for premenstrual syndrome

While there are no tests that diagnose PMS, it does share symptoms with some other conditions, such as thyroid disorders and mood disorders. Your doctor may order a thyroid function test or mood screening tests to rule them out.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a doctor will discuss with you which medications can lessen your symptoms.

What to expect from your visit

Your healthcare provider will ask you about the type and severity of your symptoms and any home treatments you’ve already tried. They may recommend prescription PMS medications to treat symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, cramps, and more.

If you have mood swings, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They can be taken daily or just certain times during your cycle.

If your symptoms are greatly affecting your life every month, they may recommend birth control pills, which can help all of your symptoms.

Prescription PMS medications

  • Birth control pills
    • Loestrin
    • Junel
    • Yaz
  • Diuretics
  • Antidepressants such as SSRIs. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
  • Prescription-strength pain relievers such as ibuprofen
  • Muscle relaxers like methocarbamol (Robaxin) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Types of premenstrual syndrome providers

  • A primary care provider can treat PMS symptoms.
  • An obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn) is a doctor who specializes in women’s health and may do additional testing and be more knowledgeable about treatment options.
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