Premenstrual Disorders

Dr. Michelle Harrison, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and author of Self- Help for Premenstrual Syndrome, did not originally believe that diet could play a significant role in helping women suffering with PMS. But when she saw a similarity between the symptoms of PMS and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), Dr. Harrison created a high-carbohydrate diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, po- tatoes, and pasta that also eliminated sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. The effect this diet had on her patients was encouraging, giving long sought-after relief. Psychological Therapy This is an often overlooked treatment for PMS and PMDD. Some- times an underlying problem is magnified when a premenstrual woman begins to feel more agitated and more physically stressed. One woman describes the feeling this way: “It’s as though there was a radio always playing at the back of my mind. It’s always there, all that stuff that gets me so upset, but most of the time I can ignore it. When I’m premenstrual, though, it’s like the volume’s turned up so loud that it’s the only thing I can hear.” Getting psychological help for the underlying problem may help a woman be in better control of her PMS symptoms. Counselors offer this type of help. There are many different types—psychologists, social workers, and priests, ministers, and even laypeople within the church are often trained to help one see the truth about situations. They can also help to open up lines of communication within families. Counselors with an undergraduate degree in social work have the initials B.S.W.; if they’ve attained a master’s degree in social work, the letters M.S.W. follow their name. These counselors have worked under observed settings learning the

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Premenstrual Disorders •