Lifestyle changes are the first way to treat PMS. This will mean exercise and lowering stress.
Exercising 3 times a week may ease PMS symptoms. It can also help ease stress and promote feelings of well being.
Stress can worsen PMS symptoms. Some ways to lower stress are meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation, yoga, and biofeedback.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help ease stress. This type of therapy will help you to examine your feelings and thoughts, learn to interpret them in a more realistic way, and apply coping methods.
References
Premenstrual syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/premenstrual-syndrome . Updated August 22, 2019. Accessed January 16, 2020.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome-pms.html. Updated July 25, 2018. Accessed January 16, 2020.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.html. Updated March 16, 2018. Accessed January 16, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 09/2019
- Update Date: 01/21/2021