After having heard the details of PMS (otherwise known as premenstrual syndrome) from hundreds of women over the years, I continue to be surprised about how most regard PMS as their lot in life and don't seek any help for it. I guess most women believe there's nothing they can do, and consequently they're often amazed to learn that an integrated approach can really help. I am of the opinion, shared by many of my colleagues at WholeHealth Chicago, that getting PMS out of your life requires a strongly committed proactive "self-care" stance, something you can easily do without much reliance on your conventional physician. Generally the complexity of PMS--and there are numerous symptoms associated with it--takes a lot more time and attention than the standard 7-minute physician office visit can provide.

In a conventional approach, the options are often confined to prescription drugs, from pain relievers to antidepressants. Some medications are even related to barbiturates, which can be dangerously addictive. Before turning to such remedies, we think you should first consider your individual symptoms, and then review all the treatment options--including lifestyle changes--that might benefit you.

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