PMS - Strength Or Weakness? - Page 150 Specific Women's Problems Section - Page 145 PMS - Strength Or Weakness? - Page 146 PMS - Strength Or Weakness? - Page 152

Severe troublesome bloating may be helped by occasional use of a type of water pill known as spironolactone, which preserves potassium in the body. Other types of water pills should be avoided. One study showed that taking this drug in the dosage of 25mg four times a day reduced weight gain and psychological symptoms.

A drug called bromocriptine 2.5 twice a day from day ten of the cycle to the beginning of the period is sometimes used for severe premenstrual breast pain. However, this is a powerful drug, not to be used lightly, with side effects of nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

Aqueous diatomic iodine (which has been tested in double blind studies in the U.S.) works just as well but has virtually no side effects. This treatment is being investigated by the FDA and may be on the market within a few years (see chapter on fibrocystic breast disease).

Some doctors have found natural progesterone in rectal or vaginal suppositories to be useful in treating severe PMS. (These are very different from the synthetic progesterones in the pill). Natural progesterone is inactive when taken in pill form. A nasal spray or gel form of natural progesterone is being developed in England.

Dr. Wilson has had good success using natural progesterones suppositories, started when symptoms begin and ended at menstruation. He says, "Patients rarely require progesterone therapy beyond 12 months. But, if they do, the dosage can be substantially reduced."

The studies done so far do not indicate any advantage of natural progesterone over placebo. However, some women with severe and uncontrollable PMS symptoms have had dramatic relief using natural progesterone.

Danazol is an expensive synthetic male hormone derivative that shuts down ovarian functions completely and causes a pseudo-menopause. Dr. Wilson suggests that danazol only be used in crisis circumstances such as impending marital or career disaster. Danazol should not be used in women with depression or anxiety states.

The new gonadotropin releasing drugs also create a pseudo-menopause. Sometimes small doses of estrogen and progesterone have to be given as well. However, these drugs are still experimental, extremely expensive and prone to severe side effects (see chapter on endometriosis for more details on these drugs as well as danazol).

One study did show that a tranquilizer called alprazolam (xanax) reduced PMS symptoms, especially mood swings, aggressiveness and irritability. However, in general, it is a good idea to steer away from potentially addicting tranquilizers as much as possible.

When Should You Use Drugs For PMS ? Give Us Feedback On This Subject Text Scroll This Chapter Check Out Doctor DeMarco's Recommended Health Products Menstrual Symptom Diary In Summary

PMS is real and it is treatable. Up to 40 percent of women have PMS symptoms that impact very negatively on their lives. Dealing with PMS requires women to change their lifestyle. It also requires their care givers to look at the whole environment of women's lives and not just the symptoms.

"PMS," says Dr. Karen Nichols, "should stand for premenstrual strength. In tapping into their cycles, women will find embodied deep within themselves their own unique qualities and their essence, all to be valued, praised and honoured".

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Lose weight – diet and exercise plans
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