Symptoms for PMS can begin anytime after ovulation.  This occurs approximately two weeks before the start of your menstruation cycle. During the last three to fourteen days of your cycle you may notice various changes in your body that could also lead to some degree of distress. Symptoms include:

• swelling and tenderness in the breasts
• temporary weight gain
• skin blemishes or acne
• headaches
• nausea or constipation followed by diarrhea at the onset of menstruation
• increase in appetite or thirst
• craving for certain food items such as sweets or items with high quantity of salt
• increased irritability or mood swings
• fatigue or insomnia
• confusion or forgetfulness
• feelings of anxiety or loss of control
• sadness or uncontrolled crying

Almost 150 physical and behavioral symptoms are associated with PMS.  The large number of symptoms complicates the diagnosis process and also makes it difficult to classify the condition as a specific disease. Mild premenstrual changes that some women experience have added to the confusion over PMS.

There are also certain unrelated medical problems that could mimic PMS and mislead you and your physician.  Some of these medical conditions that mimic PMS are:

• fibrocystic breast changes – non cancerous lumps are formed in the breast that are swollen and painful
• endometriosis – the tissue from the lining of the uterus causes pain anywhere in the lower abdomen.
• chlamydia or other sexually transmitted diseases
• dysmenorrhea or painful menstrual cramps that could prompt nausea and diarrhea
• diabetes – causing excessive thirst and hunger
• endocrine disorders such as overactive thyroid
• emotional disorders that could be confused with mood swings during PMS or any other sort of allergies.

Get a relaxing massage.
Add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil of clary sage, chamomile, geranium, lavender or orange blossom to unscented lotion or massage oil.  Then massage the mixture on your aching abdomen or lower back.

Take a mineral bath.
This will keep your muscles relaxed and at ease. In a tubful of warm water add 1 cup sea salt and 1 cup baking soda.  Soak for 20 minutes.

Exercise and remain fit.
Exercise not only helps keep your body in good shape, but also in better functioning of the brain.  This helps with a positive attitude and mood.

Be Romantic
Keeping a regular love life helps the premenstrual cycle.  Intercourse stimulates the blood flow which otherwise remains sluggish and lethargic.

Use light therapy to ease PMS symptoms.
The idea is to sit in front of a therapeutic light box for 20 to 45 minutes a day. This is especially beneficial during winter months.

Drink a cup or two of red raspberry leaf tea.
Red raspberry leaf tea helps with cramps.

Drink a cup or two of dandelion tea.
Dandelion tea helps with bloating.

Discover herbal supplements and oils.

• Use oils like evening primrose, borage, flax seed and pumpkin seed which contain Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). These acids are changed into ‘good’ prostaglandin in the body. You can have primrose oil daily 3 to 6 grams. You can also use one tablespoon flaxseed oil for salad dressing.
• Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus castus) is an herb, used to reduce PMS problems. Take 10 drops of chaste tree berry extract every morning from mid-cycle until your period begins. It may take nearly three months to see the results.
• Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a Chinese herb used widely for PMS. It contains phytoestrogens and is a good for balancing hormones. It helps relieve pain and also uterine cramps. Have 3 to 4 ml of Dong quai tincture three times a day during the second half of your cycle. Before consuming this herb you should keep in mind that it produces photosensitivity and should not be used if you have heavy menstrual flow or are pregnant, as it increases the flow.

Diet plays a very important role with PMS problems.

• Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, pasta, cereals, fiber and protein.
• Cut down on sugar and fat intake.
• Start avoiding salt for the last few days before your period start as it would reduce bloating and fluid retention.
• Avoiding caffeine helps prevent irritable feelings and also eases breast soreness.
• Avoid alcohol, as it depresses you even further.
• Drink plenty of warm water.
• Eat coconut, raisins, papaya and sweet juicy fruits.
• Increase your diet with fiber as it helps remove excess estrogens.
• Consume a magnesium rich diet with millet, buckwheat and barley.
• Eat smaller meals to keep your blood sugar level steady and to prevent the craving for sweets.
• Avoid saturated fats like red meat, cheese and butter as it increases the bad prostaglandins level causing uterine discomfort, bloating and mood swings.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.