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Water retention: Relieve this premenstrual symptom
Consider medications
If you can't control premenstrual water retention with lifestyle changes alone, various medications may help. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your desire to become pregnant and other factors, options may include:
- Over-the-counter PMS treatments. These medicines (Midol, Pamprin, others) usually contain some combination of mild diuretics, pain relievers, antihistamines and caffeine, which can help treat a range of PMS symptoms at once — but if your main symptom is water retention, you may not need all of the active ingredients in these medications.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), may help you feel more comfortable. Keep in mind that long-term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or ulcers, however, and taking NSAIDs and diuretics at the same time can cause kidney damage.
- Birth control pills. Oral contraceptives prevent ovulation, which can help reduce the physical symptoms of PMS.
Choose supplements carefully
Countless vitamins, minerals and herbs have been touted as cures for PMS symptoms, but few have been proven effective. Still, research shows promise for:
- Calcium. Taking 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day may reduce the physical symptoms of PMS, including water retention.
- Magnesium. Taking 200 to 400 mg of magnesium a day may help alleviate water retention. Magnesium isn't recommended for women who have serious heart or kidney disease, however.
Consult your doctor before taking dietary supplements or herbal remedies. Taking excessive amounts of these products or taking them with other medications can be harmful.
When to explore other options
If you continue to be troubled by monthly water retention, consult your doctor. He or she may suggest that you keep a symptom diary for a few months. This can help confirm that your symptoms are related to your menstrual cycle, rather than other causes of abdominal pain — including irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or other gastrointestinal problems. Your doctor can also help determine the best treatment for you.
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- Frequently asked questions: Premenstrual syndrome. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. http://www.4women.gov/FAQ/pms.htm. Accessed June 30, 2009.
- Casper RF. Treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 30, 2009.
- Casper RF. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 30, 2009.
- Premenstrual syndrome. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp057.cfm. Accessed June 30, 2009.
- PMS and diet: Is there a connection? American Dietetic Association. http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/home_18673_ENU_HTML.htm. Accessed June 30, 2009.
- Douglas S. Premenstrual syndrome: Evidence-based treatment in family practice. Canadian Family Physician. 2002;48:1789.
- Blood-pressure lowering drugs. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=159. Accessed June 30, 2009.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 9, 2009.
