What is PMS?

No one doubts anymore that pre-menstrual syndrome is real. A variety of physical and psychological changes have been associated with the menstrual cycle because they occur regularly at the same phase of each cycle and end when the period begins or shortly after.

Some of these changes are negative and interfere with a woman's sense of well-being. They include tension, irritability, anger, tiredness, bloating, acne, headaches and food cravings.

Relief
The exact cause of PMS is unknown, and that makes treatment difficult. Changes in lifestyle can help. Stress reduction, exercise and dietary changes often bring relief.

This chart is intended to help you determine whether a particular lifestyle change is making a positive difference in your pre-menstrual days. Review the list of lifestyle changes and pick one to track each month for relief effectiveness of your negative pre-menstrual symptoms. Incorporate the lifestyle changes that help into your lifestyle.