A growing number of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome or PMS are seeking help from both conventional and alternative health practitioners. Studies show that women who opted for alternative therapies usually found them to be effective. As such, the medical community should be accustomed with the efficiency of innumerable evidence-based natural interventions.

A recently conducted survey indicates that 42% of women suffering from PMS take prescription or over-the-counter medications to mitigate their symptoms. In this group, about 80% were using OTC medication, mostly to control pain.

For years, traditional medicine had provided suggestive treatments for PMS that does not always work. Most doctors are unaware of the latest research on hormone balancing while others never had any training in PMS. Alleviating bloating with diuretics, headaches with painkillers, and anxiety with Valium only mask the underlying imbalance that cause PMS. A lot of these prescribed treatments often have side effects.

Although a safe and guaranteed cure for PMS is yet to be discovered, there is a number of lifestyle and alternative therapies that can reduce symptoms and possibly even improve your quality of life. On the other hand, psychotherapy can provide insight about stress. However, it sidesteps the nutritional and biochemical aspects of this disorder.

Exercise is the best self-care method that you can be employ in dealing with PMS symptoms. It does not necessarily mean a strenuous and sweaty afternoon at the gym; it may be something simple like walking regularly. On the average, regular exercise is considered to be done at least three to five times a week.

Adopting specific dietary modifications could also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms. Review your dietary needs and eliminate caffeine, sugar, alcohol, dairy, and excess soy. While you’re shunning “bad foods,” it is important to get plenty of the "good" vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Try nurturing a diet of fresh, in-season, organic fruits and vegetables.

Aside from exercise and dietary measures, some alternative therapies might also be helpful. Reducing stress by trying several relaxation methods such as relaxation exercises, roll breathing, yoga, and massage therapy might proved to be advantageous.

Another widely used therapy for PMS includes bright light therapy. Some studies suggest that getting more natural or full-spectrum light on days when PMS symptoms are present may help reduce severity of symptoms.

There is emerging evidence that suggests PMS sufferers may reduce their dependence upon synthetic drugs by undergoing chiropractic or acupuncture treatments heightened. Several small clinical studies have verified that the combination of chiropractic manipulation and soft tissue therapy is an effective intervention in the management of various PMS symptoms, particularly with the relief of associated back pain, abdominal cramping and dysmenorrhea.

Though most of the therapies mentioned are not considered standard treatment for PMS, some of them might be helpful in relieving some symptoms. But most importantly, these treatments are safe and well-tolerated.