That Time of the Month: Six Tips for Reducing Inflammation During Your Menstrual Cycle

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is something that many women experience before their period.

20:13 10 May 2023

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is something that many women experience before their period. While the causes of PMS aren't fully understood, the general belief is that it is related to hormonal changes during menstruation. 

When a woman's body prepares for her period, her hormone levels can fluctuate, leading to mood swings, bloating, and other symptoms that we associate with PMS. For some women, it can really affect their daily lives and make it hard to work or have fun. 

No matter what's causing your PMS symptoms, there are ways to manage them and care for yourself. Whether it's exercise, stress reduction, talking to your healthcare provider about medication options, or even IV drip therapy, here are six things you can do to help ease any discomfort you may be feeling.

1. Exercise

Exercise can be a great way to manage PMS symptoms in a natural and healthy way. When exercising, your body releases endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals that soothe mood swings, irritability, and other emotional symptoms associated with PMS.

Exercise can also help reduce physical symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and headaches. By getting your blood flowing and muscles moving, you can reduce tension and stiffness that can contribute to pain and discomfort during your menstrual cycle.

Plus, regular exercise can improve your overall health and wellness, which can help make your periods more manageable over time.

2. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet can be a game changer for managing PMS symptoms. Eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies, grains, and healthy proteins can provide the nutrients your body needs to function properly and alleviate symptoms like bloating, cramps, and mood swings.

Certain foods, like those high in magnesium and vitamin B6, can be particularly beneficial for managing PMS symptoms. Foods like bananas, spinach, and salmon are great sources of these essential nutrients.

In addition to incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet, it's also essential to stay hydrated and limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, which can exacerbate PMS symptoms.

3. Stress Reduction Techniques

When you're under stress, your body produces hormones that can exacerbate symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and mood swings. By practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, you can help reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and well-being.

Other stress-reduction techniques like journaling or spending time in nature can also be helpful for managing PMS symptoms. By taking time for self-care and prioritizing your mental health, you can help mitigate the adverse effects that stress can have on your body and mind during your menstrual cycle.

4. Over-the-Counter Medication

Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate physical symptoms like cramps, headaches, and breast tenderness, while anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen can also help reduce inflammation and pain.

Other over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or decongestants can be helpful for managing symptoms like allergies or congestion that may be exacerbated during your menstrual cycle.

While over-the-counter medications can be an effective way to manage PMS symptoms, it's important always to follow dosing instructions. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medications, particularly if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

5. Hormonal Birth Control

Birth control pills or other forms of hormonal contraception can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms like cramps, headaches, and mood swings. This is because hormonal birth control can prevent fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle.

However, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new form of birth control, as different types of hormonal contraception can have different side effects and risks depending on your individual health history and needs.

6. IV Drip Therapy

IV drip therapy is a treatment option that some women find helpful for managing PMS symptoms. IV drip therapy involves receiving a customized blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients through an intravenous drip.

This therapy can help replenish nutrients that may be depleted during the menstrual cycle and relieve symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and mood swings. IV drip therapy is also convenient for women who may have difficulty absorbing nutrients through their diet or prefer a non-invasive treatment option.

It's important to note that IV drip therapy is not a cure for PMS, but it can be a complementary treatment to other lifestyle changes or medications that you may be using to manage your symptoms.

Getting Sweet Relief From PMS Symptoms

To alleviate PMS symptoms, incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, practicing stress-reduction techniques, taking over-the-counter medication, using hormonal birth control, and trying IV drip therapy can all be helpful. 

It's important to remember that every woman's experience with PMS is unique and different, so what might trigger symptoms for one person may not affect another person in the same way.