PMS is a burden that all women must share and though the intensity may be different for different women it is a curse we wish we could pass it onto men. The symptoms usually begin up to 14 days before your cycle begins and stop a few days after it ends. The causes of PMS lack a solid, scientific base though most evidence points towards the interaction between sex hormones and brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Symptoms of PMS include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in appetite and food cravings
• Hot flashes
• Joint aches
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Acne
• Bloating of abdomen
• Tiredness
• Increase in heartbeat
• Swollen and tender breasts
• Weight gain

PMS for many women is also accompanied with menstrual cramps that can range from mild to severe. Severe menstrual cramps can be so severe that it may interfere with a woman’s daily activities for several days.

Unfortunately there is no cure for PMS but maintaining a healthy diet, exercise and taking pills may help. Be careful about the medicine you take since not all will suit you. The medicines can be over-the-counter or in some cases, require a doctor’s prescription. Doctor’s may also prescribe anti-depressants or birth control pills as anti-depressants may reduce irritability and depression while birth control pills help by evening out your hormone levels.

There are a few steps you can follow to ease your symptoms and make sure each month goes a little more smoothly. These are:

• Keeping a regular schedule of meals, exercise and sleep.
• Eating 6 small meals instead of 3 heavy ones.
• Avoid salt during your period as salt bloats you up and increases fluid retention
• Cut back on caffeine to reduce soreness of breasts
• Cut back on alcohol to reduce depression, anxiety and irritability
• Eat complex carbs such as cereals and whole grain products.
• Also eat lots of fiber, protein and food high on iron content
• Sleep well for at least 8 hours.
• Take vitamin and other supplements such as calcium

Of course, do consult your doctor especially regarding the vitamins and additional supplements as they may ending doing you more harm if not taken in the right proportion.