Can I take something to alleviate premenstrual symptoms?

Written by and verified by the Examine.com Research Team. Last updated on Jan 3, 2012.

PMS cramps can be alleviated or even eliminated with the following:

An approach to mitigate PMS pain would be:

  • Regularly eat fatty fish (wild salmon, herring, sardines, atlantic mackeral, shrimp, krill). If unable to eat enough, take Fish Oil supplementation.

  • Consider taking ZMA.

References

  1. Chuong CJ, Dawson EB. Zinc and copper levels in premenstrual syndrome . Fertil Steril. (1994)
  2. Posaci C, et al. Plasma copper, zinc and magnesium levels in patients with premenstrual tension syndrome . Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. (1994)
  3. Horrobin DF. The role of essential fatty acids and prostaglandins in the premenstrual syndrome . J Reprod Med. (1983)
  4. Walker AF, et al. Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention . J Womens Health. (1998)
  5. Facchinetti F, et al. Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes . Obstet Gynecol. (1991)
  6. Harel Z, et al. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of dysmenorrhea in adolescents . Am J Obstet Gynecol. (1996)
  7. Deutch B. Menstrual pain in Danish women correlated with low n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake . Eur J Clin Nutr. (1995)
  8. Saldeen P, Saldeen T. Women and omega-3 Fatty acids . Obstet Gynecol Surv. (2004)