How to Reduce PMS Symptoms

How to Reduce PMS Symptoms

For many menstruators, PMS (AKA premenstrual syndrome) is just a reality we've simply gotten used to each month. Whether your symptoms are physical, like abdominal cramps, bloating, or painful breasts; emotional, like irritability or sadness; or a combination of both, PMS can sometimes derail your entire day.

Thankfully, dealing with PMS is a little less painful (no pun intended) than it was even a few years ago. Today, there are many more options available, both in practice and in product form, to help people soothe PMS symptoms. We hope these tips will help you better manage those rollercoaster days leading up to your period.

Dealing with PMS: the physical

Growing up, menstruation education didn't always touch on how to deal with PMS other than maybe popping a few ibuprofen for cramps. Now that we're all older and wiser, we have some more remedies on hand for the next time those familiar aches and pains crop up:

Some type of over-the-counter actually could help. One of the most familiar PMS treatments for things like headaches, cramping, or painful breasts is taking pain relieving drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.You can take them according to directions on the bottle for your cramps or breast aches, but if you'd rather reach for an alternative, there are also natural options for pain relief. Vitamins for PMS, or massaging on a topical essential oil blend or CBD balm to relieve those crampy spots, are all popular options for treating PMS naturally.

Get physical. There are few things in life that a little exercise can't help fix. Is your style to go for a brisk walk or take a virtual yoga class in your PJs? Either way, getting your blood flowing can both help with bloating and fatigue, and have emotional benefits (we'll touch on that below).

Apply some heat. Ahh, that's the stuff. Whether you have an electric heating pad, hot water bottle, or single-use heating patches, placing a little extra warmth on the area in question can provide some relief. Hot tip: LOLA's heating patch provides natural heat therapy for up to 11 hours. And, since it's discreet and easy to wear, you're free to move around as you please.

Hydrate, baby! This advice spans well beyond just your PMS window, but drinking a good amount of water will help with bloating.

Facemasks, pimple patches, spot treatments. The list goes on! Having an acne outbreak right before your period is totally normal. So while we say, "meh, just leave 'em be!" you might simply want it to go away. Your favorite pimple patches or sheet mask are a convenient option for soothing that skin.

Even if you aren't experiencing acne, some self-care in the form of a rose-scented face mask can do wonders for your PMS mental health.

How to handle PMS: the emotional

While the emotional symptoms of PMS have been thoroughly depicted in Hollywood, we think we speak for real humans everywhere by saying: actual PMS mood swings suck. They can make you focus on negative thoughts, have a blow-up over a seemingly small issue, or just feel generally blah.

Not every menstruator experiences this in the same way; some people's symptoms fluctuate month-to-month, and some don't get them at all. But if you're someone who sometimes wonders, "Why do I get so angry before my period?" keep reading for some helpful tips to keep your hormones at bay.

Rest up. Your body and mind need some R&R in order to restore. Aim for at least 8 hours of shut eye if you can. And if your cramps are also bothering you, try adding a little heat before you fall asleep for the night (it'll feel like a much-needed bear hug).

Get some fresh air. A lot of women say they feel some sort of PMS anxiety or depression. If you're feeling blue, try going outside for a long walk or a quick jog. The boost in endorphins can help reset your mind.

Make magnesium a priority. Magnesium has been shown to reduce PMS depression and stress in some women. But no need to run to the drugstore. You can find magnesium in a lot of foods you may already be eating: dark, leafy greens, salmon, avocados, and (our favorite option) dark chocolate.

Just take a minute (or ten). You may have heard of the health benefits of meditating. Good news: they also apply before and during your period! When you're feeling on the verge of a sobfest or just need a sec to cool off, find space to be by yourself. Open your favorite mindfulness app or close your eyes and breathe deeply.

For the in-between PMS symptoms (ahem, cravings)

Here's our hot take: if your pre-period week consists of going all in on a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough, maybe just embrace your PMS cravings and treat yourself. While we are 100% advocates of living your best life (which includes sticking to the diet that best serves you) cut yourself some slack if your hormones convince you to indulge in more chocolate than usual.

If you're looking for ways to satiate these cravings without feeling guilty, you can try reaching for craveable foods that aren't processed and lack refined carbohydrates or caffeine. Increasing your intake of fiber and protein can also stabilize your blood sugar and your hormone production.

But why is my PMS so bad?

Hey! It's us with a friendly reminder that every person's pre-period experience is different (even your own symptoms could fluctuate from month-to-month). Your sister might need to lie in bed for a day to nurse her cramps, you might want to eat every sweet in your kitchen, while your best friend may feel totally fine before menstruation.

That said, if your PMS symptoms have been getting more severe or the treatments above don't help, you and your doctor might want to check out if there's anything else going on beneath the surface. They may be able to provide you more insight into why you're experiencing these symptoms and hopefully offer a solution.

Is there a cure for PMS?

We've covered different methods for dealing with PMS but does a true cure exist for premenstrual syndrome? Though you may have heard that you don't experience PMS on the pill, there's no real evidence to prove that. However, a lot of people do say their PMS on birth control can be a little milder than when off it.

While a PMS cure sounds like a dream, we haven't yet found one for these energy-draining symptoms. Until then, we hope these tried and true methods and essential cramp care products help you feel a little more like yourself when the time strikes.

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