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PMS
Natural Cures for Your Teen's Discomfort
By Laura Cone
Freeman, who recently concluded a study that found no difference in intermittent versus continual use of antidepressants to treat severe premenstrual syndromes, says many of the non-pharmaceutical treatments may also help some young women. She suggests shaping up the diet, exercising and relaxation approaches. Freeman says calcium has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of PMS in some women. She also advises teenagers to cut back on caffeine intake, particularly if they are feeling anxiety.
While experts don't know the exact cause of PMS, Freeman says it's not caused by a hormonal imbalance. "These people have normal hormones," she says. "You don't have menstrual periods if your hormones are not normal, so their hormones are in normal range. The current biological theory is that the women are sensitive to the normal changes of the reproductive hormone cycle every month. They go up and down. Some women are very sensitive to these changes, and that is really a brain chemical issue."
Regardless of why your daughter is feeling out-of-sorts once a month, implementing these experts' suggestions can't hurt. It will only help your daughter to see you setting a good example by understanding the importance of rest, exercise and good nutrition. Letting other family members in on what to expect during this phase will lead to more sensitivity. And in the end, you just might chase that demon from your midst and welcome home your fun-loving daughter again!