i have horrible times when i get it. bloating, cramps, etc which have been getting worse. now i usually end up being sick with all the symptoms of a cold before getting my period. the first time i thought it was food poisoning, but i keep getting the same thing every month. i want it to stop! any suggestions?
2007-04-08 11:10:19 · 18 answers · asked by rachel 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Many treatments have been suggested for PMS, including diet or lifestyle changes, and other supportive means. Medical interventions are primarily concerned with hormonal intervention and use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Supportive therapy includes evaluation, reassurance, and informational counseling, and is an important part of therapy in an attempt to help you regain control over her life. In addition, aerobic exercise has been found in some studies to be helpful. Some PMS symptoms may be relieved by leading a healthy lifestyle: Reduction of caffeine, sugar, and sodium intake and increase of fiber, and adequate rest and sleep.
Dietary intervention studies indicate that calcium supplementation (1200 mg/d) may be useful. Also vitamin E (400 IU/d) has shown some effectiveness. A number of other treatments have been suggested, Vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese and tryptophan.
SSRIs have become the "initial drug of choice for severe PMS" The drug most widely studied is fluoxetine at doses of 20-60 mg/d. Other drugs include sertraline, paroxetine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine, and nefadozone. These drugs can also be given intermittently, that is when symptoms reappear.
Hormonal intervention may take many forms:
Oral contraceptives are commonly given; also the contraceptive patch or the contraceptive ring (vaginal ring) would perform the same function.
Progesterone support has been used for many years but evidence of its efficacy is inadequate.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can be useful in severe forms of PMS but have their own set of significant potential side effects.
Diuretics have been used to handle water retention. Spironolactone has been shown in some studies to be useful.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; eg ibuprofen) have been used. Primrose oil & chocolate has been advocated for PMS.
Hope this helps. :)
2007-04-09 05:02:52 · answer #1 · answered by Fraulein 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Taking birth control can regulate your period but it may not help with the symptoms. Birth control affects people differently. For instance, I can't take it anymore because it makes my hair fall out and it doesn't come back. I don't want to be pregnant but I REALLY don't want to be bald. Best thing to do is talk to your doctor or nurse. They can recommend what would be in your best interest. Also, they may be able to give you a sample before you have to buy it. Some insurance doesn't cover birth control or only gives you a discount. If you don't have a doctor, you can always go to Planned Parenthood. I went there for a few years back when I didn't have insurance and everyone there was great.
2007-04-08 18:21:39 · answer #2 · answered by Erika B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Birth control is hormone based and can generally does regulate your periods. There are many different kinds on the market these days and some with very low dose hormones. There is not the bad side effects associated with them like there used to be. Birth control also can minimize your periods also, decreasing the heaviness,decrease cramping, and length of your periods...that's always a plus.
2007-04-16 00:13:47 · answer #3 · answered by Tikled_Ivory 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd give birth control a try. It helped me out a lot. You have to be on it about three months before you can be sure if it is helping, so if your first month isn't better don't give up hope. If nothing else, it can at least shorten the amount of time you fell bad.
2007-04-08 18:17:37 · answer #4 · answered by Rixie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YES YES YES!!!! When my daughter started her period, she was terribly irregular. She would start, be on for 2-6 days, go off, then start again for up to 2 weeks. We went to our doctor, who started her on the weakest pill, we went back again, until it was at a point that was comfortable and normal for her. Be warned, DO Not Go This Route if you are looking for birth control, as it will be less effective ( as your body may require higher levels of the medication!!!
2007-04-15 15:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by Texas Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is definitely worth it to get on the birth control. It can work wonders for you. You may only need to take it for a while and your periods may level off.
Good Luck!!!!
2007-04-13 19:26:51 · answer #6 · answered by studnet 15 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was on the pill at age 14 due to irregular, painful, heavy periods. I would recommend it. It is a personal decision that only you have the right to make. For me it was a life saver.
2007-04-16 13:09:11 · answer #7 · answered by engholm 75 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your issue at hand. Talk to your doctor about it...the pill is great for regulation but check the side effects too.
2007-04-15 17:25:35 · answer #8 · answered by Pepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going on birth control was the best thing I ever did for my periods. It made them regular, lighter, and all-together more tolerable--less pain,discomfort, etc. Just make sure you find the one that is best for you!
2007-04-13 20:18:59 · answer #9 · answered by neena131 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would only turn to birth control as a last resort. Speak to your doctor about it. There are a lot of side effects. Think it through carefully.
2007-04-08 18:16:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋