A lot of women suffer from what is called premenstrual syndrome or PMS for short. PMS is an irritating and annoying syndrome that affects the mental as well as the physical well-being of a woman experiencing it. Some of the physical manifestations of PMS include the feeling of being bloated, having headaches or migraines and sometimes cramping. Mental manifestations often revolve around the feeling of being overly sensitive, weepy, moody, feelings of anxiety, and even bouts with depression. There have been cases where women suffered so much from their PMS that they had to be prescribed the use of antidepressants to help them cope.

There are ways to combat the effects of PMS and you don’t need prescription drugs to do so. How a woman can help herself cope with depression and the other effects of PMS can be done with a few natural ways and here are some of them:

1. Exercise. There have been findings that show how exercise can benefit those who are known to suffer from PMS or premenstrual syndrome. This may be attributed to the release of endorphins that are associated with the feeling of being peppy and happy and regular exercise does encourage the creation of endorphins in the body. Regular exercise may also help with the water retention that is often associated with the feeling of being bloated when going through PMS.

2. Calcium supplements. Some researchers have found a link between an increase in calcium intake and the prevention of the physical and mental condition called PMS. There have been some findings that showed how a deficiency in calcium can actually be a reason for PMS and an increase in the calcium that a woman takes often relieves a woman of some of the mental symptoms of PMS like being moody, anxious, or depressed. Aside from the relief from these PMS-induced emotions, calcium can also help a woman prevent the onset of osteoporosis in her advancing years.

3. Balanced diet. A balanced diet is also another natural way you can keep the symptoms of PMS to a minimum. A balanced diet that consists of adequate protein intake, complex carbohydrates, and minimal caffeine and sugar will help keep the physical and mental symptoms of PMS down to a manageable level.

4. Vitamin E. Taking regular doses of vitamin E has also proven to help with the many different manifestations of PMS. Taking 400IU of vitamin E will help reduce and eliminate some of the symptoms that are associated with PMS like depression, moodiness, bloating and even the cravings. You will need to take in vitamin E supplements for two consecutive period cycles, however, to see a significant reduction in the PMS symptoms you usually experience.

5. Going herbal. Some people turn to the age-old practice of herbalism for their PMS treatments and preventive measures. Some of the herbs that seem to help ease the problems associated with PMS include evening primrose tea or oil, viburnum or cramp bark, black cohosh, dandelion root, and even Vitamin B6.