nditions. The first category includes women who experience dysmenorrhea or painful menses. The second group consists of women who have various types of mood disorders such as depression, manic-depression or anxiety disorders. Women experiencing severe postpartum depression are also liable to PMS. Finally, highly stressed women are also prone to PMS ("Premenstrual Syndrome," 2000, pp. 1-2).
The treatments for PMS are dependent on the severity of the conditions. Most women can alleviate the symptoms of PMS by changing their diet and lifestyle. First, doctors recommend that women experiencing PMS should eat six small meals of food that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in simple sugars every three hours. The purpose of this diet is to control the blood glucose level and eliminate dramatic changes in energy levels. Second, they should refrain from consuming caffeine, alcohol, salt, fats and simple sugars because these substances contribute to the symptoms of bloating, tiredness, stress and depression. Third, with the guidance of their doctors, women with PMS can benefit from supplemental vitamins and minerals including multivitamins containing B6, B complex, magnesium, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. They can reduce the negative effects of physical and emotional symptoms. Finally, regular exercise counters the symptoms of PMS by decreasing stress and increasing the production of beta-endorphins, thus improving one's mood and blood circulation (Lichten, 2000, p. 2).
However, women who have severe PMS are likely to require various types of medications that have proven to be effective in treating certain symptoms. Depending on the symptoms of PMS experienced by the patients, the doctors may prescribe: 1) Diuretics to reduce bloating and fluid retention; 2) Analgesics to deal with headaches and cramps; 3) Beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers to diminish the likelihood of severe headaches; 4) Prostaglandin inhibitors to alleviat...