Appetite changes are also very common and approximately seventy-five percent of women report sweet or salty cravings. Some women experience hot flushes, palpitations, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. Many treatments have been tried for alleviating the symptoms of PMS but no treatment has been found that is consistently effective. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers are generally reserved for the most severe cases in women who have resisted other treatments. Reducing caffeine consumption in the week before your period can assuage breast symptoms, such as swelling and tenderness.
Many women also find that irritability and headaches decrease when they cut their caffeine intake.
Excess salt intake may worsen water retention symptoms including bloating and swelling of hands and feet. Many women find that alcohol affects them negatively in the week immediately preceding their periods. Get enough sleep. However, women who are premenstrual may feel even more tired than usual. National Women's Health Information Center.