If you suffer from monthly cramps, bloating and mood swings you might be relieved to know you’re not alone. 85% of pre-menopausal women suffer some, or all of the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
However, there is something you can do to relieve the symptoms, discomfort and stress of PMS.
• Stop smoking
An in-depth study over 10 years, including health data from more than 3,000 women, showed that those who smoked were more than twice as likely to develop PMS symptoms than those who had never smoked.
Another excellent reason to quit, as if you needed one!
• Get active
Although it may be the last thing you feel like doing, many women find that aerobic exercise helps to ease PMS symptoms. Get moving and the heart pumping for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week for best results. And it doesn’t have to be a gym session either – walking fast, swimming and even dancing counts too!
Read our blog about how to keep your boobs perfectly perky
• Change your diet
Up your intake of fruits, veggies and whole grains and cut back on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fat and salt. The complex carbohydrates in whole grains may contribute to a chemical chain reaction that supports mood-enhancing emotions. And the benefits of this will last all month long!
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can both contribute to a PMS rollercoaster. Consider limiting alcoholic drinks, (don’t cry, now) and anything containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and even chocolate, (boo-hoo!) throughout your cycle. Some women find they crave more for these ‘baddies’ nearing their period, so it’s a question of iron-will to feel better.
• Just relax
Now, any bloke using these two words at certain times of the month would need to run very fast after uttering them, but as Little Women are highly trusted within our customer base we may say them without fear. Anything from relaxation techniques to massages, candle-lit baths to yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can help.
• A little added something
Research has found that a daily dose of 1,200 milligrams of calcium or that certain fatty acids - like the omega-3s and linoleic acid found in supplements - can lessen some PMS symptoms.
• Therapy
You don’t have to suffer in silence. If your PMS is severe ask for help!
• Medication
As above, there are various treatments from supplements to prescription medications available. Talk to your GP.
• Don’t bottle it up
Whether face-to-face support groups or online forums and discussion groups, it helps to remember there are other women out there suffering the same symptoms as you. Talk to them; you can be sure they’ll want to talk to you!
• Bloating
This can make women feel not only uncomfortable, but self-conscious. Water retention can take some women up an entire dress size! There are herbal remedies that help, but a stretchy bra and briefs might just make you feel a little more comfortable knowing it’s just for a day or two. Try our super-slinky but oh-so comfortable Grace set if you need something easy to wear that’s still pleasing on the eye.
By Kelly Rogers
We know being a woman has its trials and tribulations….The Little Women ladies know that a bit of retail therapy helps ease most ails. Feel free to shop yourselves better!
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Little Women creates beautiful lingerie for women with cup sizes AAA-B. We are specialists in lingerie for smaller cup sizes and have more than 25 years' experience. Take a look at what’s new here, or get in touch with the team today for more information.