Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Treatment Overview
There are ways to reduce your PMS symptoms and their impact on your life. But no single treatment works for all women. You may have to try several to find the right choices for you.
The first step is to try some lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine and getting regular exercise. For more information, see Reference Home Treatment.
If you still have moderate to severe symptoms after two or three cycles of home treatment measures, talk your doctor about further treatment options. These may include taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants or low-estrogen birth control pills. For more information, see Reference Medications.
A variety of herbs and other Reference complementary treatments Opens New Window may help reduce or relieve PMS. For more information, see Reference Other Treatment.
Surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) is a rarely used, controversial treatment for the severe form of PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). For more information, see Reference Surgery.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 26, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
