Introduction
A large number of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can be associated with such severe symptoms that it is no longer possible to cope with everyday tasks. However, there are a number of simple measures and treatment options that can effectively counteract the symptoms.
These treatment options are available
- Lifestyle changes: regular sport and exercise, avoiding nicotine, alcohol and coffee; healthy low-salt diet
- Meditation and relaxation techniques, acupuncture
- Taking certain medicines: Hormonal contraceptives, painkillers, antidepressants, diuretics (if water retention occurs)
These drugs can help
There are a number of medications that are used for premenstrual syndrome. Most of them are so-called off-label use preparations. This means that the drug has no specific approval for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.
Among the drugs used to treat PMS are hormonal contraceptives or the contraceptive pill and painkillers such as ibuprofen. If the premenstrual syndrome is accompanied by severe mood swings or depressive symptoms, antidepressants may also be considered as medication. Diuretics are occasionally used for women with water retention.
However, these should only be used in consultation with the doctor, as they remove water from the body and can cause unwanted side effects. The use of the contraceptive pill can influence the hormonal cycle. In some studies it has been shown that women taking the contraceptive pill have less severe PMS symptoms.
Furthermore, a positive effect on the level of activity could be achieved with the pill. In addition to the positive effect on a large number of women, however, there were also study participants who complained about side effects of the pill (such as nausea or discomfort). For women who do not wish to have children and also want contraceptive protection, an attempt can be made to use the contraceptive pill to treat premenstrual syndrome.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the symptoms will disappear after treatment with the pill. Furthermore, before the start of treatment it should be checked whether there are any contraindications to taking the pill, such as heavy smokers, blood clots or very overweight women. In the context of the premenstrual syndrome, severe mood swings or depressive moods may also occur.
Particularly in the case of prolonged mood lows, the administration of an antidepressant can be considered. Many antidepressant drugs have an effect on serotonin levels, a hormone that plays a major role in our mood. By increasing the serotonin level, one can brighten up or increase the mood.
Taking antidepressants can be associated with side effects, so antidepressants should only be used in consultation with a doctor. This is usually necessary anyway, since antidepressants are prescription drugs. There are a number of painkillers that are mainly used to relieve abdominal pain and headaches in the context of premenstrual syndrome.
Especially common is the use of ibuprofen and aspirin (ASA). These painkillers can generally be used to treat headache, backache and abdominal pain in PMS. Many women benefit from taking them if they are in severe pain.
Over a longer period of time, a stomach medicine should be considered when administering painkillers – painkillers can cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Diuretics are drugs that are used to drain the body. They are sometimes prescribed for water retention in the context of PM syndrome. They should always be taken in consultation with the doctor, as excessive water loss can lead to undesirable side effects. Due to their specific activity profile and the side effects in the treatment of PM syndrome, diuretics generally belong to the subordinate (or rarely used) therapeutic measures.
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