[7][8][9] It is also thought that diet may play a role in increased water retention, such as salt and magnesium consumption, and fluid intake.
[14] Synthetic progestin lacks the ability to antagonize mineralocorticoid receptors, leading to more sodium and water retention and subsequently, temporary weight gain.
[10] Non-pharmacological considerations to reduce the effects of the condition is focused on an individual's diet and activity levels such as exercise[10] Hormonal treatments such as oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDS) alters the menstrual cycle and lessen the amount of fluid retention.
Diuretics are known as one of the main therapies for volume overload and includes several classes whose mechanisms of actions, and pharmacokinetics are involved in the principles of nephrology.
[19] A popular pharmacologic over-the-counter treatment on the market to alleviate symptoms associated with menstrual cycles in the USA is Midol[clarification needed].
[20] Although the exact mechanism of how this works is still unclear, it is speculated to be due to increasing the GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and decreasing sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule.
[21] Studies shows that minimizing of the use of the medication class non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen will reduce premenstrual fluid retention.
[23] In several studies, it was shown that people experiencing PMS symptoms had a decrease in water retention and breast tenderness when they exercised regularly compared to those who did not.
[28] In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PMS is seen to be caused by the qi in the liver being blocked which leads to an accumulation of blood flow in the lower half of the body.
[30] Qigong is another practice that consists of meditation, breathing-exercises, dance-like movements, and relaxation that has been shown to reduce PMS symptoms when compared to placebo results.
[32] Practitioners of qigong can redirect or emit their qi to heal themselves or others, helping to improve symptoms of negative feelings, water retention, etc.
[35][36] These studies observed the effects certain types of drinks (caffeinated) may have on the severity and frequency of symptoms but noted that the amount of fluid intake was not taken into account.