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The use of a PMS medication - premenstrual tension, attenuates the symptoms and leaves the woman more calm and calm, but in order to have the expected effect, it should be used according to the gynecologist's guidance. Good examples are birth control pills and natural tranquilizers such as passionflower and passion fruit juice.
However, these drugs should not be used without the doctor's knowledge because they have side effects and contraindications that must be respected. In addition, the remedies indicated may vary according to each woman's symptoms.
The most used remedies for PMS are:
1. Antidepressants
The antidepressants most recommended by the doctor to control PMS are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (IRSS) which include fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine. During PMS chemical changes occur in the brain, which reduce the amount of serotonin which is a substance responsible for regulating mood, sleep, appetite and the feeling of well being. Antidepressants act directly on the brain by increasing the amount of serotonin, and thus improve symptoms of tiredness, irritability, binge eating and insomnia.
Main side effects: the most common side effects of this class of antidepressants are nausea, reduced libido, tremors and anxiety. In general, these effects appear at the beginning of treatment, especially in the first 15 days, and disappear over time.
2. Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics, also called tranquilizers, are often indicated for the control of PMS, for a short period of time. These remedies help the person to relax and reduce anxiety, tension or irritability. The anxiolytic most indicated by the doctor is alprazolam, but due to its addictive effects, it is not indicated for prolonged use.
Main side effects: Anxiolytics can cause a dependency effect and also a tolerance effect, in which increasing doses are needed to obtain the desired effect. In addition, they can decrease alertness and affect coordination.
Anxiolytics are contraindicated for people who have glaucoma and breastfeeding as it can pass to the baby through milk. Learn more about alprazolam.
3. Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills are indicated to stabilize hormonal variations that occur between menstrual periods. The most suitable contraceptive pill for PMS is Yaz (ethinyl estradiol and drosperidone). Drosperidone acts with the same effectiveness as spironolactone which is a diuretic, reducing the swelling that precedes menstruation.
Main side effects: Yaz's most common side effects are mood swings, depression, migraine, nausea and bleeding between menstrual periods.
Yaz should not be used by people with a history of thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or cardiovascular disease. Check out more information about Yaz.
4. Progesterone injection
Progesterone injection works by temporarily interrupting menstruation. The most recommended injection is Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) and should be done every 3 months in the buttock muscle. Learn more about Depo-Provera.
Main side effects: the most common side effects are minor bleeding after the first injection and weight gain due to fluid retention.
Depo-Provera is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, in cases of suspected or proven breast cancer, in cases of liver disease and for women with a history of thrombosis.
5. Hormonal implants
Hormonal implants are contraceptive methods indicated to stabilize hormonal variations that occur between menstrual periods and stop menstruation. In this way, they reduce the symptoms of PMS. The advantages of these methods are better hormonal control as they avoid forgetting the birth control pill and are a good alternative for women who cannot use estrogens.
Hormonal implants can be of two types:
Subcutaneous implant: Implanom or Organom is a contraceptive implant, in the form of a small stick, which is inserted under the skin of the arm. Thus, the hormone etonogestrel is released in small amounts and gradually over up to 3 years. Implanom or Organom should only be inserted and removed by a doctor.
- Main side effects: the most common side effects are acne, irregular menstruation, weight gain, tenderness and pain in the breasts. Learn more about the subcutaneous implant.
- Intrauterine implant: Mirena is an intrauterine contraceptive implant that is shaped like a T and contains the hormone levonorgestrel which is gradually released in small doses directly into the uterus for a maximum period of 5 years. Mirena should only be inserted and removed by a doctor. See the 10 common questions about Mirena.
- Main side effects: the most common side effects are headache, cramps especially in the first month of use, increased or decreased menstruation, depression, nausea, genital infection and acne.
Like oral contraceptives, hormonal implants have contraindications in women with suspected or proven pregnancies, a history of thrombosis and suspected or proven breast cancer.
Natural remedy options for PMS
Herbal medicines and vitamin supplements are a good option for women who have milder symptoms of PMS or who prefer to be treated with more natural alternatives.
1. Valerian
Valerian works as a natural anxiolytic reducing anxiety caused by PMS without causing sleep. It is found in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of pills. Valerian is contraindicated for pregnant or nursing women.
Although it can be consumed in the form of tea, the best option for PMS is to take valerian in tablet form. In this case, 2 to 3 coated tablets should be taken 1 to 3 times a day.
2. Passiflora
Passionflower, like valerian, reduces anxiety, common during PMS, without causing sleep. Passiflorine can be found in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of pills or oral solution. Dragees contain lactose in their composition and are not recommended for people with lactose intolerance.
The recommended dose of Passiflorine is 2 pills, one to three times a day or 5mL of the oral solution, one to three times a day.
3. St John's Wort
Also known as Hypericum perforatum or St. John's wort, acts as a natural antidepressant, reducing anxiety, tiredness and insomnia, which are common symptoms in PMS. St. John's wort can be used in the form of tea or coated tablets and is contraindicated for pregnant or nursing women.
St. John's wort can be consumed in the form of tea, however the best option for PMS is in the form of a pill. Thus, the recommended dose is 1 coated tablet 1 to 3 times a day.
4. Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus is used as a dry extract, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, in addition to increasing levels of progesterone in the body regulating hormonal variations that occur in PMS. Thus, it reduces PMS symptoms such as anxiety, nervous tension and colic and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
The dry extract of Vitex agnus-castus can be found in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of pills and is contraindicated for women who are breastfeeding.
The recommended dose of Vitex agnus-castus is 1 40mg tablet daily, fasting, before breakfast.
5. Cimicifuga racemosa
Cimicifuga racemosa is used to reduce PMS symptoms such as anxiety, tension and depression. A phytoestrogen is considered, acting as a natural estrogen and thus helps in the control of PMS by reducing hormonal changes. Cemicifuga racemosa is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation and for women with suspected or confirmed breast cancer. It is sold in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of pills.
The recommended dose of Cimicifuga racemosa is 1 tablet, twice daily.
6. Gamma V (Borago officinallis)
Gamaline V is a herbal medicine that has gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in its composition, having anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to improving the regulation of the immune system, which reduces the symptoms of pain and swelling in the breasts during PMS. Gamaline V is sold in capsule form and has diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort as side effects.
The recommended dose of Gamaline V is 1 capsule daily.
7. Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil, also known as evening primrose oil, is rich in gamma linoleic acid, which acts on female hormones leaving women calmer during PMS. Evening primrose oil can be found in pharmacies and drugstores in capsule form and has no contraindications or adverse effects.
The recommended dose is 1 capsule at lunch and another at dinner.
In addition to evening primrose oil, borage oil can also be used to relieve PMS symptoms. Learn more about borage oil.
8. Vitamin supplements
In cases of mild PMS, vitamin supplements such as Vitamin B (40 to 100 mg daily), calcium carbonate (1,200 to 1,600 mg daily), vitamin E (400 to 60 IU aodia) and magnesium (200 to 360) mg up to 3 times a day).
Vitamins help to reduce PMS symptoms by keeping the body well nourished and balanced. Vitamin supplements can be found in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of capsules or pills.
Another good natural source of vitamins is food. Here's how to eat a diet that helps relieve PMS symptoms.