Premenstrual Syndrome - Other Treatments

Highlights	Risk Factors	Other Treatments
Introduction	Complications	Medications
Symptoms	Treatment	Resources
Diagnosis	Lifestyle Changes	References
Causes	Therapy

Other Treatments

Some women have reported relief from pelvic pain after acupuncture or acupressure (a needleless approach). Of particular interest is reflexology, a variant technique that uses manual pressure on acupuncture points on the ears, hands, and feet. In one study comparing this technique to a sham procedure, those who had true reflexology had significantly fewer PMS symptoms than did women in the other group.

Acupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback are all alternative ways to control pain. Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny sterile needles, slightly thicker than a human hair, at specific points on the body.

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Chiropractic Treatments

One small study reported improvement in symptoms with the use of spinal manipulation and soft-tissue therapy two to three times a week in the week before menstruation. It was not clear, however, if the treatment was any more effective than a sham treatment. More research is needed.

Meditative Exercises

Meditative techniques include Yoga or other exercises that use meditation, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. They may be particularly helpful.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, which uses fluorescent light up to 50 times more intense than ordinary light, is now a recommended treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression related to the reduction of sunlight in winter months. Women with SAD may have a higher prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and some experts now believe that phototherapy may be useful for PMS-related depression. There are a few side effects, including headache, eyestrain, and irritability. Patients taking drugs for psoriasis or vitiligo, certain antibiotics, or antipsychotic drugs should not use light therapy.

Sleep Deprivation

Some studies have indicated that sleep deprivation during the late premenstrual phase may improve premenstrual dysphoric disorder in some women by correcting underlying disturbances of circadian rhythms. This involves sleeping only four hours during one night and making up for it the next. More research is needed on this interesting approach.

Herbal and Other So-Called Natural Remedies

A number of herbal remedies are used for PMS symptoms. Some of these products are discussed below. With a few exceptions, studies have not found herbal or other so-called natural remedies to be any more effective than placebo for relieving PMS symptoms. Additionally, they can be expensive. It is certainly possible that some herbal medicines may be helpful, but patients should always be wary of unproven claims for quick cures.