*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Pre Menstrual Syndrome

Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Each woman's symptoms are different and can vary from month to month, but most women have PMS (premenstrual syndrome) at some point.

The most common symptoms of PMS include:

mood swings
feeling depressed or irritable
feeling upset, anxious or emotional
tiredness or trouble sleeping
bloating or cramping
breast tenderness
headaches
spotty skin
greasy hair
changes in appetite or food cravings

Things you can try to help for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

There are things you can try to help ease your PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

Do

exercise regularly
eat a healthy, balanced diet - you may find eating frequent smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours better
get plenty of sleep
try reducing your stress by doing yoga or meditation
take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain
keep a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 menstrual cycles - you can take this to a GP appointment

Don't

do not smoke
do not drink too much alcohol

See a GP if:

You have symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and:

lifestyle changes have not helped
your symptoms are affecting your daily life

A GP can advise you on treatments that can help.

Treatments for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome), a GP may recommend other treatments as well as making lifestyle changes.

These may include:

hormonal medicine, such as the combined contraceptive pill
cognitive behavioural therapy
antidepressants

If you still get symptoms after trying these treatments, you may be referred to a specialist.

This could be a gynaecologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements for PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Complementary therapies and dietary supplements may help with PMS, but there's not much evidence that they work.

These can include:

acupuncture
reflexology
supplements such as vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium

Important

Check with a GP or pharmacist if you're also taking medicines before starting to take regular supplements.

Causes of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

It's not fully understood why women get PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

But it may be because of changes in their hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Some women may be more affected by these changes than others.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

A small number of women may experience more severe symptoms of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life.

Symptoms can include:

headaches and joint and muscle pain
overeating and problems sleeping
feeling very anxious, angry, depressed or suicidal

It's not clear what causes PMDD, but it's been linked to being very sensitive to changes in hormones, or certain differences in the genes you inherit from your parents.

Find out more

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

you have symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and are feeling suicidal

Find your nearest A&E

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.