There are many different types of menstrual disorders with a wide variety of causes and treatment options. This page will focus on some of the most common menstrual complaints that we hear. PMS is thought to be caused by a change in the balance of estrogen and progesterone hormones available in the body in the hours or days prior to the onset of menses. Other hormones may also be involved.
Treatment focuses on alleviation of the symptoms.
Headaches and low back pain are often alleviated by an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Perhaps the most overlooked treatment for the musculoskeletal pain syndrome aspects of PMS is exercise. Exercise squeezes the fluids back into the lymphatic and vascular system where it can be taken to the kidneys and eliminated. It can even cause the uterus to contract,and expel the sloughing uterine lining more quickly. As severe bloating is often a problem in PMS, a gentle diuretic is sometimes prescribed for use on the few days before the onset of menses.