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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 might help. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your desire to become pregnant and other factors, options to treat water retention might include:
- Diuretics. These medications — sometimes referred to as water pills — are available by prescription to help reduce fluid buildup. Be aware that taking ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics at the same time can cause kidney damage.
- Birth control pills. Some research suggests that oral contraceptives — which prevent ovulation — 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, some research shows promise for:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- B vitamins, such as thiamine and riboflavin
- Vitamin E
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. For example, too much vitamin E can be problematic for women who have diabetes or heart disease.
When to explore other options
If you continue to be troubled by monthly water retention, consult your doctor. He or she might 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 or other gastrointestinal problems. Your doctor can also help determine the best treatment for you.
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- Casper RF, et al. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 29, 2011.
- Casper RF, et al. Treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 29, 2011.
- Casper RF, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 29, 2011.
- Chocano-Bedoya PO, et al. Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2011;93:1080.
- Natural medicines in the clinical management of premenstrual syndrome. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 29, 2011.
- Premenstrual syndrome. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp057.cfm. Accessed Aug. 29, 2011.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.cfm. Accessed Aug. 29, 2011.
- Freeman EW. Therapeutic management of premenstrual syndrome. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 2010;11:2879.
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