Thursday, Feb. 19, 1998

Women experience, manage range of symptoms

Editor's Note: This is the third story in a three-part series about premenstrual syndrome. This story focuses on advice for dealing with PMS symptoms.

By MEREDITH O'DONNELL
Collegian Staff Writer

Some throw temper tantrums and stomp their feet, while others binge on chocolate and chips.

University women use a wide variety of methods to cope with premenstrual syndrome symptoms, said Gretchen Leffler, student director of the sexual health division of HealthWorks.

PMS symptoms include mood swings, increased irritability, food cravings and increased weight, said Dr. Michele Manting-Brewer, who practices at OB-GYN Alternatives, 611 University Drive.

"There's a whole bunch of symptoms," she said. "However, not everybody has the same symptoms -- there's a lot of individual reasons."

There are constructive ways to deal with negative symptoms like irritability and cravings, Manting-Brewer said; exercise and other relaxation techniques can help.

Keeping track of the symptoms experienced at different times during the menstrual cycle and recognizing when symptoms are the worst is an effective way of coping, said Leffler (senior-nutrition). Through this practice, women can know what to expect and why they are feeling a certain way, she said.

"That can give a good sense of what's going on," Leffler added.

Keeping track of symptoms is effective for many women in fighting symptoms, Manting-Brewer agreed.

"A lot of women, just by recognizing and being in tune with their cycle, are fine," she added.

"I can tell I get more annoyed, but I don't vocalize it."

- Jacy De Mario, (junior-finance)

Other recommended ways of coping with PMS are exercising more often and avoiding caffeine, sugar, red meat and alcohol, said Jill Buchanan, certified nurse registered practitioner for Women's Health at University Health Services.

"A lot of these things are health-care issues that would benefit everyone," Buchanan added.

In addition, some medications can help extreme cases of PMS, Buchanan said.

"Some women find that they have less PMS on the (birth control) pill," she said. Over the counter medicines such as aspirin can also be of benefit, Buchanan added.

PMS can also be a problem for female roommates, especially when they are experiencing symptoms at the same time, Buchanan said.

"I can tell I get more annoyed, but I don't vocalize it," said Jacy De Mario (junior-finance).

However, fights are not a problem for her and her roommates, she added.

When PMS becomes a problem, roommates must take responsibility for their emotions and minimize the potential for negative interactions, Buchanan said. A good way to do this is to warn roommates and begin apologizing before the onset of PMS, Buchanan said.