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Lifestyle Changes to Manage Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

The first step in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, managing stress, and possibly taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grain , fruits, and vegetables . Decrease your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, salt, and sugar, about two weeks before your menstrual period begins. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water.
Studies have found that women who engage in moderate aerobic exercise at least three times a week tend to have fewer premenstrual symptoms than women who do not exercise. Exercise helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance mood.
High levels of stress tend to worsen PMS symptoms. In addition to reducing your overall stress level, you should get more rest and relaxation during the week before your period begins. You may also benefit from relaxation techniques, such as meditation , deep breathing, progressive relaxation, yoga , and biofeedback. These techniques help you recognize bodily tension and provide a "release" mechanism. Pleasurable activities can also help you relieve stress.
Should you be unable to reduce stress levels on your own, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very effective in improving how you feel in the weeks before your period arrives. This type of therapy will help you to examine your feelings and thought patterns, learn to interpret them in a more realistic way, and apply various coping techniques to real-life situations. With CBT, you can learn to identify and cope with sources of stress, restructure your priorities, and manage obstacles, frustration, and discomfort.
In some cases, vitamin and mineral supplements may help reduce symptoms of PMS. Supplements are usually recommended only after dietary changes have produced no results. Dietary supplements that may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of PMS include the minerals calcium , magnesium , and vitamin E .
Talk to your doctor or a dietitian to determine if you should try supplements.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin: premenstrual syndrome. ACOG. No. 15. April 2000.

Premenstrual syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated June 14, 2012. Accessed August 20, 2012.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Family Doctor.org website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome-pms.html . Updated August 2010. Accessed August 20, 2012.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet. Women's Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.cfm . Updated May 18, 2010. Accessed August 20, 2012.

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