Other Treatments

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Some women have reported relief from pelvic pain after acupuncture or acupressure (a needleless approach). Of particular interest is reflexology, a variant technique that uses manual pressure on acupuncture points on the ears, hands, and feet. In one study comparing this technique to a sham procedure, those who had true reflexology had significantly fewer PMS symptoms than women who received a sham treatment.

Acupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback are all alternative ways to control pain. Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny sterile needles, slightly thicker than a human hair, at specific points on the body.

Chiropractic Treatments

One small study reported improvement in symptoms with the use of spinal manipulation and soft-tissue therapy 2 to 3 times a week in the week before menstruation. It was not clear, however, if the real treatment was any more effective than a sham treatment. More research is needed.

Meditative Exercises

Meditative techniques include yoga or other exercises that use meditation, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. They may be particularly helpful.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, which uses fluorescent light up to 50 times more intense than ordinary light, is now a recommended treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression related to the reduction of sunlight in winter months. Women with SAD may have a higher prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and some experts believe that phototherapy may be useful for PMS-related depression. There are a few side effects, including headache, eyestrain, and irritability. Patients taking drugs for psoriasis or vitiligo, certain antibiotics, or antipsychotic drugs should not use light therapy.

Sleep Deprivation

Some studies suggest that sleep deprivation during the late premenstrual phase may improve premenstrual dysphoric disorder in some women by correcting underlying disturbances of circadian rhythms. This technique involves sleeping only 4 hours during one night and making up for it the next. More research is needed on this interesting approach.

Herbs and Supplements

A number of herbal remedies are used for PMS symptoms. With a few exceptions, studies have not found any herbal or dietary supplement remedy to be any more effective than placebo for relieving PMS symptoms. It is certainly possible that some herbal medicines may be helpful, but patients should always be wary of unproven claims for quick cures.

Evening Primrose Oil. Some women have reported that taking evening primrose oil helped PMS. However, studies vary as to its effectiveness for PMS symptoms and two rigorous studies reported no benefit. It may be helpful for relieving breast symptoms.

Flaxseed Oil. Flaxseed oil may help relieve breast pain and tenderness associated with menstruation.

Agnus Castus Fruit Extract (Chaste Tree Berry). Several studies report that agnus castus fruit, also known as chaste tree berry, may help relieve PMS symptoms including breast pain and tenderness. Some evidence suggests that the compounds in this substance reduce prolactin levels. Prolactin is the important hormone in breast milk production. Women who are breastfeeding should not use this herb.

Ginger Tea. Ginger tea is safe and may help soothe mild nausea and other minor symptoms of PMS.

Melatonin. Women with PMS appear to have lower levels of melatonin, a powerful hormone that regulates sleep. One small study that simulated air travel reported that melatonin was helpful in reducing stress in PMS women, but controlled studies are needed to determine any real benefit.