Go to see the doctor. Many lines of therapy are available at present and these seem to be improving all the time. The use of oral diuretics, popularly called fluid pills, is often spectacularly successful; this tends to whip away excessive amounts of fluid retained under progesterone influence. Often the woman will notice she is passing large quantities of urine within hours of taking these tablets. Almost at once, relief becomes obvious. Symptoms simply reduce, or vanish. Comfort, peace and mental equanimity often replace the tense overwrought symptoms that were driving her (and those around her) crazy.

Hormonal therapy is also widely used. The contraceptive pill, really a combination of the two female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, if taken on a regular cyclical basis can effectively prevent ovulation from occurring; in turn, this prevents the sudden production of progesterone following ovulation. So, although the pill itself contains the hormone, vastly increased amounts are prevented from entering the genera} circulation. And symptoms of P.M.T. tend not to occur. Some doctors order other hormones, aimed at reducing the effect of the female hormones at this time.

Many simple measures also assist. Women with P.M.T. should try and avoid tensions and stresses when they know they are least equipped to cope with them. Reduce tensions and stress-related activities as much as possible. Keep chores, even simple housekeeping, to the minimum when trouble looms. Take the family into your confidence and let them know when your lime of trouble is at hand to they will be on side and be able to assist. Eat sensible meals. Do not scrimp and starve and diet for your body needs all the help from sensible nutritious food at this special time. Adequate rest and sleep is also vital, and is essential.

Get adequate exercise each day for this will help keep the body lit- Simple treatment like heat to regions that are painful often helps. So does gentle massaging. Becoming involved in unrelated activities often takes the mind off the problem and is good therapy. Some claim that acupuncture by a trained doctor is also extremely effective. Medical hypnotherapy from qualified doctors also gains excellent results hi many cases.

There are certain 'do-it-yourself forms of medication that may give relief. Pyridoxins commonly called vitamin B6, is claimed fey some doctors to be very effective-25 mg twice a day often give a beneficial result. If ineffective, doubling the dose may prove more helpful. This is available from chemists, and no script is needed. It must be kept going for several months. Professor P. Cites from Perth was one of the first doctors to discover the virtues and value of B6 for P.M.T. patients.

The chief fact to remember is that much can be done. Visit your doctor. Discuss your problem in detail. Be guided by medical advice. Your doctor will tailor a routine specifically for you. Then follow it through. It may take a few months before dosage routines are found that appear to suit you and succeed in reducing your symptom. Don't put up with ongoing misery.

Many doctors tend to neat P.M.T. symptomatically. Certainly they may try some of the measures mentioned. But in addition, if they think it advisable, tranquilizers and sedatives may be offered in the hope of settling the patient. Headaches may require painkillers (ideally taken in the most effective dose for the minimum amount of time). Frequently, having a sympathetic person to talk to does much to relieve the burden at the time.

*25\45\4*

Women's health