What can I do to cope better with Pre-menstrual Syndrome PMS

QR for this page

What helps with PMS is different for each woman. To find out what will help, a woman should try different things and notice what makes her feel better. First, try following the suggestions for pain with monthly bleeding.

These ideas may also help:

• Eat less salt. Salt makes your body keep extra water inside, which makes the full feeling in your lower belly worse.
• Try to avoid caffeine (found in coffee, tea and some soft drinks like cola).
• Try eating whole grains, peanuts, fresh fish, meat and milk, or other foods that are high in protein. When your body uses these foods, it also gets rid of any extra water, so your belly feels less full and tight.
• Exercise can sometimes help with the signs of PMS.
• Try plant medicines. Ask the older women in your community which ones work.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en010220