What Is Premenstrual Tension Syndrome?

The definition of premenstrual tension syndrome, otherwise known as PMT or PMS, is used to describe the physical and emotional changes that a woman experiences prior to getting her period.  Depending on the individual, these feelings can range from being mild and slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful and distressing.

There are several ways that you can choose to help get rid of the effects of PMT by opting for natural remedies, medical solutions or herbal alternatives.

In order to know what remedy will be best for you, you need to understand what the symptoms of premenstrual tension are, how extreme they are and where to seek help for them.

The following is a list of symptoms that some women who get PMT can suffer from:

• Headaches
• Backaches
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

There are different options that you can choose to help give you some level of respite. Some can be done by yourself while others will need you to consult with your doctor.

Natural Ways

You may simply need to look at your lifestyle and alter some elements in order to reduce the feelings of pain that you are experiencing. Look at your eating habits, exercise and water intake.

Read more about natural ways to help PMT

• Natural remedies for premenstrual tension
  

Medical Assistance

If you choose to visit your doctor, he or she may feel that you would be helped with some type of prescription drug. Once you have had a consultation and been examined, you could receive one of the following prescribed medications:

• Oral contraceptives
• Hormone treatment
• Anti anxiety medication
• Mild tranquillizers

Using one of these could be the thing that will help to ease your pain, reduce your anxiety and help with your level of stress so that you can sleep better.

Herbal Remedies

If you would prefer to try alternative treatments, there are many herbal products that you could find very effective.  Green tea, camomile, passionflower, rosemary and burdock are just a few of the herbs that you can try to help with your period pains.

Hypnosis

Many people advocate the use of hypnosis to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by pmt and period pain.  The idea is that you concentrate and focus on the symptoms that you suffer from in order to learn how through relaxation exercises you can remove the pain that you are feeling. There are therapists that you can find online who will provide this service.

Lymph Drainage

Manual lymph drainage can help to reduce swelling and the bloating feeling that you can get.  This treatment involves a light body massage which helps to stimulate the lymph vessels.  This helps relax the nervous system, releasing the tension that causes the swelling.

Premenstrual tension syndrome can be hellish for some women and it is advisable to try different methods to find out what works best for you so that you can cure your pmt at least reduce the irritation.