Midol is perhaps one of the longest selling menstrual and pre-menstrual products on the market, used by millions of women for immediate relief of the more aggravating physical symptoms of PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome. And in relieving those, in many cases it also alleviates some of the emotional issues that accompany bloating, discomfort, weight gain and pain.

The active ingredients in Midol, are acetaminophen, a pain reliever, as well as diuretics such as pamabrom and pyrilamine maleate. The exact ingredients and amount, vary by the category of Midol which is now made in formulas that target teens, menstruation, PMS, and general cramps/body aches. Acetaminophen is found in all of them, but there is only one diuretic in the menstrual formula, while the PMS one has two diuretics. On the other hand, the menstrual version also has caffeine, which may not be appropriate to a woman suffering PMS symptoms, as it can induce excitability and irritability that will intensify symptoms you’re trying to reduce.

So it is important to choose the right PMS formula, and also important to consult your doctor first on the effectiveness and appropriateness for you. Some lifestyle issues such as daily alcohol, or taking other acetaminophen based remedies may be contraindicated.

Click here to learn more about Midol.

Some synthetic birth control pills do advertise that their ingredients reduce fluid retention, and as a consequence, some of the weight gain and emotional issues. But not all women can take birth control pills, and others prefer more natural ways to cope with their hormonal stresses.

Femalite is one choice that utilizes a proprietary blend of natural ingredients to treat the most common symptoms of PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome. The three essential components are drawn from foeniculum vulgari (sweet fennel), pulsatilla vulgaris (pasque flower) and Melissa Officinal (lemon balm).

Girls over the age of 12 can take 15 drops in a little water, two or three times a day, starting five days before their period is due, and continue into the first day or two. Alternately, women may start using it at that dosage, on the first sign of their usual symptoms.

While it does not have the side effects of synthetic drugs or hormones, there are instances where people can be allergic to the ingredients, or they may be contraindicated for certain health conditions, or people taking specific medications. Always check with your doctor, to see if this is an appropriate choice for you.

Some synthetic birth control pills do advertise that their ingredients reduce fluid retention, and as a consequence, some of the weight gain and emotional issues. But not all women can take birth control pills, and others prefer more natural ways to cope with their hormonal stresses.

Femalite is one choice that utilizes a proprietary blend of natural ingredients to treat the most common symptoms of PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome. The three essential components are drawn from foeniculum vulgari (sweet fennel), pulsatilla vulgaris (pasque flower) and Melissa Officinal (lemon balm).

Girls over the age of 12 can take 15 drops in a little water, two or three times a day, starting five days before their period is due, and continue into the first day or two. Alternately, women may start using it at that dosage, on the first sign of their usual symptoms.

While it does not have the side effects of synthetic drugs or hormones, there are instances where people can be allergic to the ingredients, or they may be contraindicated for certain health conditions, or people taking specific medications. Always check with your doctor, to see if this is an appropriate choice for you.

Click here to learn more about Femalite.

The formula of Estroven has been chosen to address individual symptoms, and some which occur in concert, feeding off each other to create more physical and emotional discomfort during those 10-14 days leading up to your period. In addition, it contains supplements to support the whole woman, a benefit that many are finding preferable to more traditional prescription medicines.

Some of the all-natural vitamins and extracts include: calcium, magnesium, ginger, isoflavones, chasteberry, feverfew, cramp bark, and a range of B vitamins.

While the formula does address the more “immediate” issues of bloating, cramping and water retention, Estroven was designed primarily to treat those symptom which are more disruptive to a woman’s life including irritability, moodiness, tension and anxiety. When taken at the onset, it should provide immediate relief.

Estroven can be taken by any menstruating woman over the age of 18, at a dosage of two tablets, up to three times daily, but for no more than ten consecutive days. While there are no known reactions to the formula, its effect on pregnant women is unexplored, and it may be contraindicated for certain medical conditions, or women taking particular medications. As always, check with your doctor before using.

Click here to learn more about Estroven.

One treatment that has been used, is Danazol, which essentially is a synthetic form of ethisterone, a progestogen. This is a form of testosterone that has been greatly diluted and weakened. It was originally approve by the FDA for the treatment of endometriosis, a painful condition in which the onset of menstruation causes severe pain because of the swelling tissue outside the uterus.

The treatment of PMS with Danazol is accomplished by reducing the intensity of your periods, with some women not having any at all. This happens when the ethisterone exerts its influence on pituitary hormones, lowering their levels. It is this process that can lead to amenorrhea.

As with any medical treatment, there are associated risks. Many women find they are extra sensitive to the sun. Others may experience acne and greasy hair or skin, a reduction in breast size, and weight gain. But the most serious and alarming side effects can be enlargement of the clitoris, hair growth where it is inappropriate, and a deepening voice. Such symptoms/reactions should be reported to your doctor immediately.