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PMS can come with the discomfort and pain of such things as headache, backaches, and cramping. Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever may keep these symptoms at bay.  Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). You can also try acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin.  Do not take aspirin if you are under 20 years old as it may lead to a severe condition called Reye's syndrome. Talk to your doctor if OTC medications do not work. Hormones control your menstrual cycle. Trying a hormonal birth control (available as pills, a patch, a ring, an implant, and the Depo-Provera shot) with specific hormones may reduce your symptoms of PMS including pain or other discomfort. Talk to your medical practitioner about taking hormonal birth control to avoid the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Let your doctor know why you want to try birth control. Discuss your various options and ask any questions you may have. Warmth or heat can relax ease physical discomfort and help you relax. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle or take a warm bath to ease the symptoms of PMS.  Put a hot water bottle or heating pad on spots that are uncomfortable. This could be your back, abdomen, head or shoulders. You can make your own heating pad by putting beans or lentils in an empty sock or pillowcase. Heat it in the microwave for about three minutes before applying to your skin. The Food and Drug Administration suggests a maximum of 20 minutes per application of any heating device. Massage OTC heat rubs into your skin or apply heat patches to any area causing you discomfort. Take a warm bath when you have pain or discomfort or are feeling stressed, tense or unhappy. Fill your bath with water between 36 and 40°C (96.8 to 104°F) so that you don’t burn yourself. Check the water with thermometer or feel the water carefully with your hand to make sure it is not too hot. If you have one, a whirlpool can also help relieve the symptoms of PMS. Acupuncture or acupressure can increase blood flow and balance out your hormones, which can relieve PMS. Schedule an appointment with a certified practitioner to avoid the physical or psychological symptoms you may have. If you can’t avoid or relieve your PMS, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can rule out underlying conditions that may be making your PMS worse or suggest other therapies that may work. Keep a diary for a few months to detect patterns in your PMS as well as what does and doesn’t prevent symptoms. Give this information to your doctor so that they can figure out different treatments for your PMS. For example, if you have severe mood swings, anxiety, or depression related to your menstrual cycle they may suggest you take an antidepressant the two weeks before your period begins.
Take an over-the-counter pain medication. Consider hormonal birth control. Apply heat for relaxation. Think about alternative therapies. Seek medical attention.