Any woman, from the time she experiences her first period until menopause, can suffer from PMS. It is estimated that 40% of all women experience some degree of PMS during their life.
Symptoms
Over 150 different symptoms are associated with PMS. Symptoms are both physical and emotional and usually occur 7-10 days before menstruation and disappear once the menstrual flow starts. It recurs at about the same time every month, and the same symptoms seem to appear. It is the predictable recurrence of symptoms which is most significant in diagnosing the syndrome.
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| Emotional Symptoms |
Physical Symptoms |
| Irritability |
Migraine Headaches |
| Anxiety |
Fainting |
| Depression |
Seizures |
| Panic Attacks |
Breast Tenderness |
| Food Cravings |
Joint Pain |
| Forgetfulness |
Acne |
| Feelings of Hostility and Anger |
Fatigue |
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Treatment
Treatment involves the process of relieving the symptoms and, when possible, finding and alleviating the cause. The good news is that women do have some control over their body's response to the menstrual cycle. These can include:
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 Reducing salt intake to prevent bloating |
| Performing moderate exercise at least four times a week |
| Staying away from caffeine, sugar and smoking |
| Reducing stress levels whenever possible. Try not to schedule too many activities on days you expect your symptoms to be severe |
| Eating 5-6 small meals instead of 3 larger ones |
| Adding vitamin E, vitamin B6, Calcium, L-tyrosine and Magnesium supplements to your diet. These vitamins seem to help some women. However, discuss with your healthcare provider what amount, if any, is right for you |
