Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment Overview

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.

How to manage PMS at home

There are several ways to treat premenstrual (PMS) symptoms—menstrual cramps, fatigue, and bloating—yourself.

• Home PMS treatment starts with OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to relieve menstrual cramps. These should start to work in about 20–30 minutes.
• There are also PMS medications that combine pain relievers like acetaminophen with caffeine, antihistamines, and diuretics (for bloating), like Midol and Pamprin. Certain natural supplements may also be helpful, like calcium and magnesium.
• Lifestyle changes may help both physical symptoms and your mood symptoms. Changes include exercise, relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation), placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol and nicotine, and drinking more water. Dietary changes, such as reducing your salt intake, may also help relieve PMS symptoms.

OTC medications for premenstrual syndrome

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for cramps
• Acetaminophen/pyrilamine (Midol) or acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyrilamine (Pamprin) for PMS symptoms
• Calcium supplements (1,200 mg daily) may reduce physical symptoms and mood swings.
• Magnesium supplements may help relieve bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
• The chasteberry herb may help relieve PMS symptoms including breast swelling and discomfort.

Tips for treating PMS symptoms at home

• Regular exercise can help with PMS symptoms. Try to exercise throughout the month.
• Relaxation exercises, like breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, may help with symptoms.
• Getting enough sleep can reduce your fatigue and moodiness.
• Making changes to your diet, such as reducing salt and drinking more water, may help prevent some symptoms.
• Try to avoid alcohol and nicotine.
• Taking ibuprofen 1–2 days before your period starts may help prevent painful cramps.
• Placing a heating pad on your abdomen can help soothe cramps.
• Calcium supplements (1,200 mg daily) may reduce physical symptoms and mood swings.
• Magnesium supplements may help relieve bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
• The chasteberry herb may help relieve PMS symptoms including breast swelling and discomfort.