Non-pharmacological treatment of premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be defined as a recurrent disorder that occurs every month in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and remits with the onset of menstruation. It is believed to affect up to 80% of women of the reproductive age group. PMS is characterized by a complex set of symptoms which include physical, psychological and behavioural changes of varying severity. This can interfere with the lives of the affected, as well as their interpersonal relationships. Physiological theories of the aetiology of PMS have lead to proposals for treatment. A wide range of therapeutic interventions have been advocated in the treatment of PMS, many of which have side effects. As symptoms of PMS can be chronic and long-term, special attention should be paid to the side-effects of pharmacological interventions. For this reason, alternative approaches may be recommended. In this article, the non-pharmacologic therapeutic approaches advocated for the treatment of PMS will be briefly reviewed to assess their efficacy. Available evidence up to 2010 on non-pharmacologic treatment of premenstrual syndrome will be considered.