What is the difference between pms and pmt

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist. Complimentary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but the evidence of their effectiveness is limited. But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your daily activities and quality of life. Read more about getting urgent help for mental health problems.

If you start a treatment, try it for several months before deciding if it is helping or not. It can be difficult to remember how things were several months ago. If you keep a diary of symptoms, it will help you to decide if you are better with treatment than you were before. Treatments may not cure symptoms completely. However, the symptoms often become a lot easier or less frequent with treatment.

Understanding the problem, knowing when the symptoms are coming and planning a coping strategy are all that is required for many women. Some women find the self-help measures listed above and such things as avoiding stress or doing relaxation exercises prior to a period can help. Various herbal products, vitamins and minerals are sold for the treatment of PMS.

The ones which have been studied most include magnesium, vitamin B6 pyridoxine , calcium, and agnus castus. The evidence is mixed and it is not clear yet if they have any effect. Some studies suggest some of them are helpful, whereas others suggest they are not.

There is not enough evidence yet to know if they can be recommended, and if so, in what dose. They are unlikely to do much harm as long as you do not exceed the dose suggested on the label, so you may wish to give one or more of these treatments a try.

Evening primrose oil or simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may help with breast tenderness. CBT is a talking treatment psychological treatment , during which, ways to find more adaptive ways of coping with premenstrual symptoms are explored.

This has been shown to be effective for some women. If it is helpful, it avoids the need for taking medicines, which may potentially have side-effects, so it is worth considering as an option. These medicines were developed to treat depression. However, they have also been found to ease the symptoms of PMS, even if you are not depressed. They work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain see above in 'What causes premenstrual syndrome?

Research suggests that taking an SSRI for just half of the cycle the second half of the monthly cycle is just as effective as taking an SSRI all of the time. Side-effects occur in some women, although most women have no problems taking an SSRI. There are various types and brands. In theory, preventing ovulation should help PMS. This is because ovulation, and the release of progesterone into the bloodstream after ovulation, seems to trigger symptoms of PMS.

The COC pill known as 'the pill' works as a contraceptive by preventing ovulation. However, pills do not always help with PMS, as they contain progestogen hormones with a similar action to progesterone. One type of COC pill contains a progestogen called drospirenone which may not have the downside of other progestogens. This may be better than other pills for PMS symptoms, but research is ongoing. If you have PMS and require contraception then the pill may be a possible option to use for both effects.

If you take the pill, your doctor may advise you to take it without having a break between packets, as this may have further benefits. Oestrogen given via a patch or gel has been shown to improve symptoms by suppressing egg production. Oestrogen tablets are not effective though. However, you will also need to take progestogens if you have not had a hysterectomy.

These can be taken as tablets or an intrauterine system IUS can be inserted. Drinking plenty of water can reduce menstrual headaches, bloating and water retention. Herbal teas are another good option for keeping hydrated. Fennel tea may help to reduce menstrual bloating and ginger tea has anti-inflammatory effects which can help soothe aching muscles. Seed cycling has been gaining traction in the female hormone health space as a natural alternative to managing PMS.

Although it lacks concrete scientific evidence, many anecdotal reports have noted positive results, with a growing number of advocates for this naturopathic practice. Seed cycling is the process of including raw, ground flaxseeds, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds in your diet - at certain stages of your cycle - to manage hormonal fluctuations.

The symptoms discussed here are common in PMS but, like most things, everyone is affected differently and you may have more specific symptoms. In this case, a nutrition professional can identify any potential diet triggers and lifestyle changes that can make your cycle more comfortable. Of course, regular physical activity is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If possible, aim to do at least minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week 30 minutes for five days. This could be walking, swimming or cycling. Regular exercise keeps the body healthy, and can also help alleviate tiredness and depression. Stretching-based activities , such as yoga and pilates are great ways to de-stress and help you sleep better.

In some cases, stretching is also thought to help ease abdominal discomfort during your period. Alternative treatments and supplements have been said to help ease symptoms of PMS. However, there is as yet no evidence that these are effective treatments.

There are many talking therapies available. Cognitive behavioural therapy CBT in particular is a therapy designed to help people manage feelings of anxiety and depression.

To learn more about talking therapies and mental health, visit Counselling Directory. Most people will experience some form of PMS in the weeks before the start of their monthly period.

This is normal. However, if symptoms are affecting your everyday life and are having a significantly negative impact on your mental health - common in premenstrual dysphoric disorder - consider speaking to your GP. Symptoms are typically more severe and may include more psychological symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness or depression , extreme anger, change in sleeping patterns, extreme tension or irritability.

There are several treatments available, and no one treatment works for everyone. Options include painkillers, a combined oral contraceptive pill and oestrogen-only patches and implants.

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