Just because water retention is linked with PMS, it doesn't mean you can't do anything about it. There are some simple steps you can take which may help prevent your body storing up excess water - see our water retention section for further information.
Aquaban tablets can help to eliminate excess water and bring relief from some of the discomfort associated with pre-menstrual water retention. It contains two diuretics that help you get rid of the water that builds up in the body's tissues and cells and relieve the uncomfortable puffiness and tenderness associated with PMS.
New Aquaban Herbal is a traditional herbal remedy which helps relieve the feelings of discomfort associated with water retention at any time of the month. New Aquaban Herbal contains three natural diuretics; Uva Ursi, Burdock Root and Clivers, which work together to gently remove excess water.
Neither Aquaban or new Aquaban Herbal should be taken if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are suffering with water retention at these times visit your GP for advice.
Aquaban should only be used to alleviate pre-menstrual water retention in the days leading up to your period; it should not be used at other times of the month. If you suffer from water retention at other times of the month that is not due to PMS you should consider using new Aquaban Herbal.
It's a common misconception that drinking less water will reduce water retention. In fact, the opposite is true. Drinking more water encourages the body to work more efficiently and can help to 'flush out' the excess.
PMS is determined mainly by the times at which you suffer symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves. Generally speaking, symptoms that occur in the days prior to your period and stop as soon as or shortly after your period starts can probably be ascribed to PMS. The symptoms of PMS are many and varied and may not include water retention.
Unfortunately PMS generally tends to get worse with age so women do not tend to grow out of it. However many women do not suffer with PMS until they have had their first child. Knowing that there are ways to help you deal with the symptoms though, is encouraging.
Basically you can suffer from the symptoms of PMS at any time of the month, (for example you can suffer from a headache at any time) but it is only in the days prior to your period and shortly after your period starts that these symptoms can be ascribed to PMS. If any such symptoms occur regularly outside of this time, then it may be wise to consult your doctor.
There is no single conclusive test to diagnose PMS. PMS is based on a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms - all of which can vary from person to person. A good way to determine the effects is to plot your symptoms in a diary over 3 months as they occur. The regularity will help you in determining whether your symptoms are PMS - you could also take this diary to your doctor if required.
Really only you can decide. If the symptoms bother you then you could start by trying over the counter remedies to relieve them, for instance Aquaban to help relieve water retention. If your symptoms are more severe then you should consider visiting your doctor.
