Experts and lay folks alike advise a variety of so-called lifestyle changes. There are exercises, diets and enough nutritional supplements to sink the steamboat Natchez. Alternative approaches include natural hormones, primrose oil, vitamin B-6, vitamin E and mineral supplements. From a nutritional standpoint, the only proven benefit comes from extra calcium. Researchers showed in 1998 that 1,200 mg of calcium daily reduced PMS symptoms by 48 percent, compared to a 30 percent reduction for women treated with placebo.
Some women retain plenty of fluid.
The best diuretic to help relieve fluid retention is the prescription drug Aldactone. It also blocks some androgen receptors. Lagniappe effects include clearing of adult acne symptoms and decreased growth of facial hair. When all else fails, there is still an out for a suffering spouse. Most reproductive-age women experience some recurring premenstrual symptoms.