8 Worst PMS Symptoms

Women have been gifted the ability to give birth, but along with that beautiful gift, there is a curse – the monthly curse. Many women suffer from PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) symptoms. These symptoms can be quite severe, so here are some ways to help you deal with eight of the worst PMS symptoms.

1 Bloating

Bloating is when the body retains fluids and makes life uncomfortable to say the least. Avoid excessive salt in your diet during your PMS time. Taking an over-the-counter diuretic would also help with bloating. Red beets have been known to be a natural diuretic. Drink tons of water.

2 Mood swings

In my opinion, the mood swings are the worst. As hormones are on overdrive, you can feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster ride, and it has a great effect on those around you. Exercise seems to help the most with the mood swings as endorphins kick in. Exercise also releases dopamine and serotonin, all which are natural pleasure enhancers.

Read also – 4 Different Types of Mood Swings and How to Beat Them

3 Overeating

Do you find yourself overeating or eating foods you do not normally eat? Cravings are very common during the monthly cycle. Avoiding overeating might take some self-control, so you will want to load up on high fiber foods to help with hunger. Drink water instead when you have a craving. You can add flavoring to it like lemon or mint. Also, try chewing gum to alleviate cravings.

4 Sensitive breasts

Breast sensitivity may be due to swelling, which is part of the bloating you might be experiencing. Diuretics will help ease breast pain, but also try reducing caffeine and alcohol intake during this time. As always, drink plenty of water. You might try evening primrose oil to see if you can ease the pain.

5 Fatigue

Fatigue can be tricky. Make sure that you are getting the right amount and quality of sleep. Exercise can help fight fatigue. Ditch the sugar, caffeine, and limit your alcohol. Eat plenty of protein and balance your diet with healthy fats and fiber. Fatigue can be a symptom of more serious conditions so be sure to keep a careful eye on it and see your doctor if you feel it is just not right.

6 Cramps

Cramps are one of the most common PMS symptom and can be quite severe for some. Cramps are painful because your uterus is contracting to shed its lining. Cramps can also because by other issues like endometriosis and other factors. See your doctor if your cramps are extremely painful. Taking a hot bath with lavender bath salts can help you relax and ease cramps. Try some Chamomile tea, and as with the other symptoms, exercise and get good sleep.

7 Headaches

Many women experience headaches during this time, but others experience the menstrual migraine. The hormones fluctuate throughout the monthly cycle and are a major cause of headaches during PMS. Headache symptoms can be treated like cramps above along with over-the-counter pain medication if needed. If you have the migraines, you should seek medical advice on treatment.

Read also – 10 Natural Ways to Soothe Headaches

8 Insomnia

So as many of the worst symptoms require good sleep to ease, there is not much you can do about getting good sleep when you are experiencing insomnia. Hormone changes are said to be the reason. Again, try chamomile tea since it is known to cause sleepiness. You can also try other herbs like Valerian, dandelion root and Tribulus Terrestris. Or, unwind with a warm bath, soothing music, and other relaxing techniques.

PMS symptoms are part of being a woman. However, we do not have to let them take control over our days. Taking good care of ourselves with proper eating, sleep, and exercise should help ease or eliminate some of these annoying and painful problems we face on a monthly basis.