ALTERNATIVE
WAYS TO RELIEVE PMS
A growing number of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome
or PMS are seeking help from both conventional and alternative
health practitioners. Studies show that women who opted for alternative
therapies usually found them to be effective. As such, the medical
community should be accustomed with the efficiency of innumerable
evidence-based natural interventions.
A recently conducted survey indicates that 42% of women suffering
from PMS take prescription or over-the-counter medications to mitigate
their symptoms. In this group, about 80% were using OTC medication,
mostly to control pain.
For years, traditional medicine had provided suggestive treatments
for PMS that does not always work. Most doctors are unaware of
the latest research on hormone balancing while others never had
any training in PMS. Alleviating bloating with diuretics, headaches
with painkillers, and anxiety with Valium only mask the underlying
imbalance that cause PMS. A lot of these prescribed treatments
often have side effects.
Although a safe and guaranteed cure for PMS is yet to be discovered,
there is a number of lifestyle and alternative therapies that can
reduce symptoms and possibly even improve your quality of life.
On the other hand, psychotherapy can provide insight about stress.
However, it sidesteps the nutritional and biochemical aspects of
this disorder.
Exercise is the best self-care method that you can be employ in
dealing with PMS symptoms. It does not necessarily mean a strenuous
and sweaty afternoon at the gym; it may be something simple like
walking regularly. On the average, regular exercise is considered
to be done at least three to five times a week.
Adopting specific dietary modifications
could also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms. Review your
dietary needs
and eliminate
caffeine, sugar, alcohol, dairy, and excess soy. While you’re
shunning “bad foods,” it is important to get plenty
of the "good" vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Try nurturing a diet of fresh, in-season, organic fruits and vegetables.
Aside from exercise and dietary measures, some alternative therapies
might also be helpful. Reducing stress by trying several relaxation
methods such as relaxation exercises, roll breathing, yoga, and
massage therapy might proved to be advantageous.
Another widely used therapy for PMS includes bright light therapy.
Some studies suggest that getting more natural or full-spectrum
light on days when PMS symptoms are present may help reduce severity
of symptoms.
There is emerging evidence that suggests PMS sufferers may reduce
their dependence upon synthetic drugs by undergoing chiropractic
or acupuncture treatments heightened. Several small clinical studies
have verified that the combination of chiropractic manipulation
and soft tissue therapy is an effective intervention in the management
of various PMS symptoms, particularly with the relief of associated
back pain, abdominal cramping and dysmenorrhea.
Though most of the therapies mentioned are not considered standard
treatment for PMS, some of them might be helpful in relieving some
symptoms. But most importantly, these treatments are safe and well-tolerated.
BACK
TO INTERESTING ARTICLES
|