During your period or when experiencing PMS there is a lot you can do to help. Avoid wearing uncomfortable clothes and non-elastic waistbands. A supportive bra can reduce some muscle and joint pain. Massaging your lower back and abdomen can reduce PMS-related problems. Women who exercise regularly have been shown to suffer less pain. Blood flow is increased during exercise and exercise can also produce endorphins, which are a body's natural pain-killers. Placing a heat pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen can help in many cases as well as taking a hot bath.
Sexual activity during your period is not necessarily out of the question, but many people avoid sexual activity during this time. Abstinence during your period is a requirement in orthodox Judaism and Islam. In these two religions, ceremonies are conducted at the end of the menses. In Judaism, the ceremony is referred to as mikvah while in Islam the ceremony is referred to as ghusl. In some cultures, tradition requires females to be sequestered in menstrual huts reserved exclusively for that purpose. Upon cessation of her period, she can leave the menstrual hut.
Medicinal remedies should be considered as an option for relief, but don't forget about herbal remedies which are another option for many PMS sufferers. You may find comfort using diuretics such as spironolactone to reduce water retention. Administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may be useful as well. It is recommended that women with frequent PMS episodes should alter their lifestyle by engaging in such activities as aerobic exercises and follow a complex carbohydrate diet.
If you are suffering from emotional problems during your period, you might want to consider getting counseling. If you are angry or depressed, your lifestyle may be contributing to your PMS-related conditions and emotional stability. The best way to make sure your lifestyle is not contributing to your PMS is to actively seek daily stress relief through exercise and other options. Also make sure you are getting adequate sleep. Especially during your period or PMS, sleep when you feel tired whenever possible as this rest is essential to helping your body recover.
For many women, pain and other side effects can be severe. Such dramatic symptoms are sometimes related to a serious condition psychiatrists often refer to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder ("PMDD"). So please talk to your health care provider if your PMS symptoms are severe and unbearable.
Note: Statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and should not be considered as professional medical advice.
[i]About the Author: © 2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Would you like to know more about
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