Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) creates several rather annoying symptoms that accompany menstruation; in some cases they are associated with mood swings, although they are almost always of a physical nature. In moderate PMS, nausea and diarrhea are often symptomatic and can be treated by lifestyle changes and various over-the-counter remedies. Be aware of your symptoms and learn to recognize when nausea and vomiting are associated with other serious health problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Nausea
Step 1. Locate the source
If you suffer from chronic nausea that coincides with menstruation, it means that PMS is the culprit. However, there may be other causes, some more serious than others. If the discomfort does not subside after your period or worsens, you should see your doctor. The most common causes are listed below.
- Medication: People with particularly sensitive stomachs often need to take medications or vitamins accompanied by a small snack or glass of milk to prevent nausea. If you are currently taking new medications, pay attention to whether your discomfort is associated with those medications.
- Emotional Stress: Are you going through a particularly sad or very stressful time? These situations often lead to stomach upset and loss of appetite.
- Intestinal infection, or gastroenteritis: this is usually a short-lived disorder and among the main symptoms you can see nausea, diarrhea, cramps and vomiting. If the symptoms are quite intense and last longer than 24 hours, it could be a more serious problem.
Step 2. Treat the symptoms
There is no cure for PMS, but symptoms, such as nausea, can be managed by taking certain precautions.
- Eat small, light meals. You still have to feed yourself, even with nausea. By eating small meals, you are sure not to burden your stomach already "upside down". You can eat something dry, like toast or crackers, or a jelly, apple puree, or chicken soup.
- Avoid strong odors. The perfumes, the smells that derive from some cooking techniques and the smoke are elements that promote nausea. If you can, stay away from the environments in which they are present.
- Limit travel. Motion sickness causes nausea and can aggravate existing symptoms. If you have to travel by car, sit in the front seat to reduce the chances of suffering from this disorder.
- Eat ginger. Both crystallized, candied and even herbal teas contain the active ingredients of the plant that can alleviate the symptoms of malaise.
- Take the mint. Mint oil in capsules and the infusion of the leaves are useful for reducing the symptoms of indigestion that accompany nausea.
- Drink chamomile tea. This drink relaxes muscles, nerves and can provide relief from abdominal cramps that occur in conjunction with nausea and vomiting.
Step 3. Take the medications
There are several over-the-counter medicines that are particularly useful for reducing symptoms associated with nausea. Here are some examples:
- Solution of glucose, fructose and phosphoric acid. This blend has a soothing and analgesic effect on the stomach walls, reducing the discomfort associated with irritated nerves.
- Antacids. In both chewable and liquid form, these drugs can neutralize stomach acids that cause nausea and digestive upset. If you have gastroesophageal reflux, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat these symptoms.
- Dimenhydrinate. This active substance is present in some medicines against motion sickness and is able to block the receptors in the brain that induce vomiting.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Diarrhea
Step 1. Identify the causes
If you suffer from diarrhea that lasts beyond the days of menstruation or becomes chronic, you should see your doctor immediately. Some of the more common causes are:
- Involuntary intake of spoiled food. Avoid buffet restaurants where food is presented on heated trays, check all dairy products and condiments before taking them, and be sure to throw away any leftovers in the refrigerator each week to avoid eating spoiled foods.
- Food allergy. They can occur at any time in life and cause irritation in the digestive system. Some of the more common ailments, such as lactose intolerance and celiac disease, are manifested by chronic and unexplained diarrhea.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This disorder, caused by intense and long-lasting stress and tension, is more common in women and can be triggered by spicy foods, large meals, fried foods and the intake of large amounts of fiber or plant products.
Step 2. Treat the symptoms
By itself, the hormonal imbalance-induced diarrhea that accompanies PMS is not curable, but there are ways to reduce symptoms and discomfort.
- Eat yogurt. This food contains microbial cultures that help regulate the intestinal flora and facilitate digestion. If you are particularly prone to indigestion or diarrhea, you should eat yogurt to control symptoms.
- Avoid fast food and caffeinated drinks. Fast food restaurant foods easily induce diarrhea due to the fact that they are rich in fatty substances, thereby worsening the hormonal disorder. Additionally, caffeine causes laxative effects in many people, so it could aggravate already existing digestive problems.
- Exercise. If you exercise regularly, your blood circulation improves and you may notice benefits on the hormonal symptoms associated with PMS, including cramps and swelling. It is also believed that in this way the diarrhea can disappear.
Step 3. Hydrate often
Diarrhea leads to significant fluid loss and, without adequate fluid replacement, complications from dehydration can arise. When you have numerous episodes of diarrhea, always carry a bottle of water with you and drink enough to restore the correct level of fluids in your body.
Step 4. Take the medications
There are several over-the-counter treatments to treat diarrhea; these are able to prevent intestinal disorders and can help you resume your normal daily activities during the menstrual cycle. Here are the two main medicines:
- Loperamide, a drug that works by slowing intestinal motility. This means that it allows the intestines to absorb more water during the digestive process.
- Bismuth subsalicylate, which reduces inflammation in the digestive tract, limits the growth of some harmful bacteria, and reduces digestive secretions.
Part 3 of 3: Managing Premenstrual Syndrome
Step 1. Keep in mind that there are no cures
Studies have found that PMS is due to changes in hormone levels triggered by menstruation; however, it is still not completely clear why some women are more sensitive than others and have a different set of symptoms than other women in the same phase of the cycle.
Step 2. Know that the symptoms can be contradictory to each other
Different women react differently to hormones and their fluctuations; in some, PMS causes constipation, in others diarrhea. Still others are quite aggressive, while some complain of crying fits and a sense of helplessness.
Try to tune into the symptoms. If PMS is very intense and creates a lot of problems in your daily life, you should keep a journal and write down the symptoms. Take note of when a new or different disorder occurs. Part of managing distress is also predicting when it may occur and taking health or behavioral precautions to deal with it
Step 3. Take steps to regulate your hormone level
Hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, vaginal ring, or injection, can help you regulate endocrine fluctuations and reduce the frequency and severity of PMS symptoms. Go to the gynecologist to discuss the best solution for your specific case.
Step 4. Recognize the difference between PMS and more serious health problems
Other diseases, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis have symptoms similar to those of PMS. If you experience nausea and diarrhea, as well as any of the following symptoms, see your gynecologist immediately.
- Severe and chronic abdominal pain;
- Fever;
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain when urinating or bowing
- Severe sense of exhaustion;
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
