Managing PMS Symptoms: Medications & Treatment Options

The Mayo Clinic reports that an estimated three out of four menstruating women suffer from the discomfort of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For rough bouts of PMS, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications.

Symptoms

• The severity of PMS varies from woman to woman. Common symptoms include depression, mood swings, tender breasts, fatigue, food cravings and irritability.

Depo-Provera

• For severe PMS, your doctor may prescribe an injection of Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone acetate). This injection will temporarily stop ovulation.

Antidepressants

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft, have been used successfully in reducing certain symptoms. These symptoms include food cravings, sleep problems, and fatigue.

Contraceptives

• Oral contraceptives may be prescribed to stabilize hormonal swings; the contraceptives stop ovulation, which helps to relieve PMS symptoms.

Warning

• According to the Mayo Clinic, up to eight percent of menstruating women have a severe and sometimes disabling form of premenstrual syndrome. This condition is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Medication is available for this disorder.