PMS
The following describes methods for treating PMS. For specific information regarding your health and treatment options, please contact your Hurley physician or medical professional.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur 5-11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle (her period). The symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins, or shortly thereafter.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
The most common physical symptoms include:
- Abdominal fullness, feeling gaseous
- Bloating of the abdomen
- Breast tenderness
- Clumsiness
- Constipationor diarrhea
- Food cravings
- Headache
- Less tolerance for noises and lights
- Fatigue
- Feelings of tension, anxiety, or edginess
- Irritable, hostile, or aggressive behavior, with outbursts of anger toward self or others
- Loss of sex drive
- Mood swings
What is the treatment for PMS?
For many women with mild symptoms, lifestyle changes are enough to control symptoms.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water or juice, not soft drinks or other beverages with caffeine) to help reduce bloating, fluid retention, and other symptoms.
- Eat frequent, small meals. Do not go more than 3 hours between snacks and avoid overeating.
- Nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium are commonly used. Tryptophan, which is found in dairy products, may also be helpful.
- Your Hurley doctor may recommend that you eat a low-salt diet and avoid simple sugars, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Get regular aerobic exercise throughout the month to help reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
- Try changing your nighttime sleep habits before taking drugs for insomnia.
- Take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain, including headache, backache, menstrual cramping, and breast tenderness.
- Birth control pills may decrease or increase PMS symptoms.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Hurley OB/GYN Clinic:
Hurley Medical Center
One Hurley Plaza
Floor 3 West
Flint, MI 48503
(810) 262-9751







