Medical Questions » Hormones Questions » Question No. 519
| Question: | How can premenstrual syndrome be treated successfully? I (and my husband indirectly) suffer terribly every month from my depression, headaches and temper. |
| Answer: | Virtually every woman suffers from this syndrome to a greater or lesser extent. It is characterised by any one or more of bloating, headaches, mood changes, irritability, depression, pelvic discomfort, breast tenderness, worsening acne, nausea, bowel habit changes, insomnia and a host of other symptoms.
The treatment should start with a medical examination to exclude any specific diseases as a cause. The next step is the use of fluid tablets to remove the excess fluid that is retained by the body prior to a period. If necessary, hormones can be added or substituted for the fluid tablets.
One of the most successful hormones is the contraceptive pill, and many women find diat when they stop the pill because they have had a tubal ligation, they develop terrible premenstrual syndrome, and have to start it again. A number of other hormones can also be used, depending on the woman' s symptoms.
Other treatments that may be tried are hormone blocking agents, e.g. bromocriptine and danazol, which require a doctor' s prescription. Some women find low doses of vitamin B6 beneficial.
Every woman is different, and all will require different treatments. If you persist, the correct combination can be determined by your doctor to give you a more comfortable and pleasant life.
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