It may be helpful to keep a diary of PMS symptoms according to your menstrual cycle and chart the results for at least 3 months. While PMS does cause emotional reactions, the more violent and severe reactions are usually because of psychiatric problems that are either aggravated by PMS or occur independently of it. It is important that a woman not be diagnosed as having PMS if she actually has depression. Limit your salt intake to 3 grams or less per day i.e. avoid using the salt shaker, avoid canned foods and fast foods. Fluid intake without salt does not cause fluid retention.
Some women are more sensitive to blood sugar during the luteal phase.
Avoid foods high in refined white flour and sugar products which give a big burst of energy after consumption then drop you to a low blood sugar state causing fatigue, anxiety, irritability and shakiness. Avoid caffeine, i.e. coffee, tea, chocolate and caffeinated soft drinks, which may act as a nerve stimulant and can increase anxiety. Caffeine may also make lumpy tender breasts feel worse. Cut your red meat consumption to 3 times weekly. Decrease your intake of highly processed foods, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods, and nicotine.